HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This narrative literature review gathered articles published preferably in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese in the last five years in the PUBMED database with the aim of reviewing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, indicating its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic cardiac disease characterized by hypertrophy of the myocardium, especially of the interventricular septum, with no apparent secondary cause. HCM can lead to interruption of left ventricular outflow, diastolic dysfunction and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, especially in young people. Diagnosis is made by echocardiography, with the additional use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing for better evaluation. Treatment includes beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers for symptomatic management, in addition to invasive procedures, such as septal myectomy or alcohol ablation, in refractory cases. High-risk patients may benefit from implantation of defibrillators. Management is individualized and multidisciplinary, with a focus on preventing complications and improving patients' quality of life.