Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy

Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy

Article
Heart & Vascular Health
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMar 11, 2018

The topic Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

Quick Summary:

  • Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a condition affecting the heart muscle
  • “Obstructive,” as the name suggests, implies that the condition interferes with the flow of blood. The term “hypertrophic” means enlargement of cells, which, in this condition, leads to the following: 
    • Thickening of the heart muscle; most commonly, of the wall (septum) that divides the 4 chambers of the heart
    • Or, thickening of the heart chambers (particularly the left ventricle)
  • In this condition, the left ventricle becomes smaller in size, which reduces its capability to relax sufficiently and hold enough blood. This causes an obstruction in blood flow in the left ventricle forcing it to exertion, to pump blood to the rest of the body. Additionally, the mitral valve can also be affected, causing blood to leak backward through the valve
  • The onset of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy can occur at any age, though symptoms start most commonly in the 30s. There are 2 types of HOCM: 
    • Inherited Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
    • Non-inherited Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
  • Many of the affected individuals have a family history of the condition. Therefore, having a positive family history is a major risk factor for being diagnosed with HOCM. A few other risk factors include underlying health conditions, such as thyroid disease and high blood pressure, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle
  • Mutations in several genes (including MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, and TNNI3 genes) are known to cause the inherited form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The pattern of inheritance is autosomal dominant, in which a single copy of the defective gene in each cell of an individual is sufficient to cause the condition
  • Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy can be asymptomatic, or present with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and palpitations. The diagnosis of the condition may involve tests such as echocardiography (ECG), electrocardiography (EKG), stress test, and coronary catheterization. If required, a biopsy of the heart muscle may be ordered
  • Some potential complications include backflow of blood into the heart (heart valve regurgitation), aberrant heart beats (arrhythmia), sudden cardiac arrest, and development of blood clot. Individuals with obstructive disease may develop end-stage or burn-out Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
  • The heart condition may be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, non-surgical procedures, and surgical implants, depending on the severity. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the prognosis of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy is generally good. However, in some individuals, a cardiac arrest may the first presentation of HOCM, which can even be fatal
  • Currently, there are no guidelines or methods available to prevent inherited forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, bringing about certain lifestyle changes and treating underlying medical conditions may help avoid or reduce severity of the symptoms

Please find comprehensive information on Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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