Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

In an interview with Managed Healthcare Executive®, Ty Gluckman, M.D., FACC, FAHA, explains the definition, incidence and pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Interviews with 32 patients shows a wide range of experiences but authors say one takeaway is a need for better coordination between HCM specialist and community cardiologists.

1 in 10 patients with early-onset atrial fibrillation have gene variants associated with a cardiac disease, most commonly some form of cardiomyopathy, according to research conducted by Vanderbilt researchers. Results would justify routinizing genetic testing of young afib patients, the researchers said.

A rare mutation of the ALPK3 gene has been shown to result in more serious cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A company developing a new therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy released data recently showing that people with the obstructive form of the disease often develop hypertension, atrial fibrillation and other forms of cardiovascular disease.

Black HCM patients were more likely than White HCM patients to have mid-ventricular obstruction, according to recently reported findings.

Japanese researchers say their study suggests that atrial fibrillation may trigger adverse events in HCM patients.

At a placeholder price of $75,000 per year for mavacamten used along with standard first-line treatment for symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was above the threshold of $150,000 per QALY.

Positive trial results were reported in The Lancet last year. The FDA is scheduled (the PDUFA date) to make a decision on the application for approval early next year.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM is one of the most common genetic or congenital cardiac diseases. Affecting as many as 1 in 500 people, HCM is characterized by large increases in cardiac mass, in particular, left ventricular mass. Such enlargement predisposes seemingly healthy sufferers to sudden death at young ages.