Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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- Can hypertrophic cardiomyopathy be cured?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease caused by a mutation in one of the genes that encodes for the proteins of the heart muscle. Currently, there is no therapy capable of healing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but it is possible to control the symptoms and evolution of the disease with drugs (see section drugs) or, in case of obstructive hypertrophic  cardiomyopathy, with myectomy (see section surgery).

- Is there a cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Some categories of drugs are indicated to control symptoms and prevent certain complications of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The most commonly used drugs are beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, some antiarrhythmics, diuretics and anticoagulants (see section drugs).

Implantation of a defibrillator prevents sudden cardiac death in patients with high arrhythmic risk (see arrhythmic risk section).

Myectomy (see section surgery) is the best recommended treatment for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients who remain symptomatic despite optimized drug therapy.

- Can I pass the disease on to my children?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is in most cases a family disease, genetically transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern. The probability of transmission of the mutated gene to the children is 50%. However, the degree of severity of the disease may vary within the same family and there is a possibility that, despite the presence of the genetic mutation, the disease will not manifest clinically (see genetic section and family screening). It is important that first-degree family members of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are screened in Centres expert in cardiomyopathy management.