New Diagnosis Of HCM

Posted by Rhonda @wifeofhcm13, Nov 15 10:54am

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the group. My husband was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after his cardiologist detected a murmur during his routine yearly visit. He has a history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in both lower extremities, for which he underwent revascularization with nine stents in 2020. He has been doing surprisingly well since then, with good blood flow and no further blockages.

Following the discovery of the murmur, an ultrasound of his heart was performed, and the cardiologist recommended a follow-up MRI. The MRI revealed some thickening of the ventricular walls, along with near akinesis of the basal inferior wall. However, his ejection fractions were within normal limits. There is some aortic stenosis present, but no left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction.

Importantly, he is currently asymptomatic. We received a call from his cardiologist informing us that the MRI results looked good. Our follow-up visit is scheduled for next week.

All in all this information has been very helpful with my anxiety. I am a retired nurse and understand what we may be facing.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Support Group.

manuelpo | @manuelpo | Nov 15 1:24pm

I have HOCM, a murmur and a leaky valve. The HOCM is treated with Camzyos 5 mg one a day which is working great. My septum basal diameter is now 1.4 cm (it was 2.2 cm 6 months ago). I no longer have angina. I take Echocardiogram tests every 3 months for now. The Echocardiogram or MRI always helps to monitor the progress of my HCOM.

Rhonda | @wifeofhcm13 | Nov 15 1:38pm

Luckily, he has no obstructive HCM. His Septum Basel is 1.5cm. So, it seems to me that we are in the early stages. We will know more about the possible treatments when we have his appointment next week.

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Nov 15 1:52pm

Hi Rhonda @wifeofhcm13 , and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I'm glad you found this online community.
And thank goodness you are a nurse with all your background. You will be a terrific advocate for your husband.
May I ask if you have children? And if so, have you done genetic testing? Most all HCM is congenital and is passed on from a relative. Even if you have no children, your husbands siblings, if he has them should be tested too.
It sounds like good news regarding no LVOT obstruction, so big sigh.
I had open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic when I was 62. HOCM and HCM sneak up on us sometimes because we may not have symptoms, or are diagnosed with some other heart conditions until like your husband, it is confirmed conclusively with MRI.
I hope you come back and let us know the results of your visit next week.
Do you have a list of questions to ask the cardiologist?
Is he/or she up-to-date on all things HCM?

Rhonda | @wifeofhcm13 | Nov 15 3:34pm

I am aware of the genetic factors related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is my husband’s second marriage, and he has two sons from his previous marriage. I have concerns that his oldest son may carry the gene as well. Currently, we have not initiated genetic testing, as we are still in the preliminary stages of this process.

In preparation for our next steps, I have compiled a list of relevant information. After experiencing the initial shock and confusion, I took the time to conduct thorough research, which has been reassuring. I am grateful that we discovered this condition early. If it had not been for my husband's diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease with stenosis—along with my insistence on maintaining routine cardiology appointments—this situation may not have been identified. The heart murmur was only detected this past July, and I consider it fortunate that his cardiologist was able to recognize it.