CLINICAL, DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN ADULTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The clinical course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has evolved in recent years, based on new lines of treatment. Our objective was to carry out a literature review focused on the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of this disease in the adult population.  The use of the electrocardiogram in addition to the clinical examination proved to be essential for the diagnosis, and the echocardiogram becomes essential for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients.  Regarding treatment, it was observed that there are non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures; among the non-pharmacological ones, the restriction of physical activities continues to be the most effective behavioral orientation, while the pharmacological treatment mainly involves the use of beta-blockers as first line, with anti-arrhythmics and calcium channel blockers as other alternatives.  In addition, there is invasive treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, being restricted to patients with high severity or refractory to clinical treatment, with limiting symptoms.