Connect
← Return to Amiodarone for HCM
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
The title for this new discussion includes "HCM," although the new member (@23273333) didn't mention it either by that code or as Hypertrophic CardioMyopathy. The definition of HCM may be uncertain here. Is it hypertrophy without any obvious cause (idiopathic)? Or is it hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of ANY explicit cause?
I raise the point, because hypertrophy of my ventricle tissue has been attributed to hypertension, and most other literature I have seen treats it as a common result of hypertension.
For this discussion, should HCM be divided into cases that are idiopathic, on the one hand, and those that are associated with hypertension or other causes?
Perhaps @cynaburst is our best source of guidance at this point.
Replies to "The title for this new discussion includes "HCM," although the new member (@23273333) didn't mention it..."
Connect
Hypertension can sometimes cause hypertrophy over time, but by contrast, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition which can cause thickening anywhere in the heart, but most often causes thickening of the left ventricle. The other hallmark of HCM, in addition to the thickening, is myocardial disarray, which means that the cells are arranged in a chaotic fashion in the left ventricle instead of an orderly pattern, which is the norm. This cellular disarray can cause arrhythmia.
See http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/dxc-20122103
Another characteristic of HCM is that it often causes an obstruction to the blood leaving the left ventricle which can cause fainting, shortness of breath and dizziness.
At the risk of shamelessly self-promoting, I have just started a blog about HCM which gives much information about HCM as well as links to primary resources and research about HCM if you are interested. There are also many links to organizations involved with HCM who can also help you find your way.
http://www.HCMBeat.com
As far as the original poster's questions about amiodarone, it is, as your doctor says, a very toxic drug, but also a very effective one to stop a fib which it sounds like is your problem. My biggest advice to you is to make sure that you consult an electrophysiologist who has experience in patients with HCM like one at Mayo Clinic. Ablations in HCM are more difficult than in people with structurally normal hearts, so it is important that the doctor you are seeing knows how to deal with the HCM heart. I also hope you are on warfarin or some other blood thinner so that you will be protected against stroke. The biggest risk of being in a fib is the risk of stroke, since blood clots can form in the atrium.
HCM is a very complex disease, so the best steps someone with HCM can take is to see an expert in this condition and to make sure that all interventions are done only by those with alot of experience with HCM.
Wishing you all the best.