Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Care

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited condition that causes thickening (or hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood properly and can cause problems with rhythm disturbances of the heart.

At Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Excellence, we offer specialized care for HCM, including evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. As a recognized Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association since 2016, we deliver timely, integrated care of the highest quality for those with known or suspected hypertrophic disorders.

Why choose Sanger?

• Nationally recognized care: Sanger has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association since 2016 and is just 1 of 46 Centers of Excellence nationwide and 1 of 2 in North Carolina. Additionally, our physicians have taken a leading role in shaping  national guidelines for the treatment of HCM patients.
• Innovative clinical trials: As our patient, you get the chance to take part in pioneering clinical trials designed to evaluate new therapies for HCM.
• Multidisciplinary team: In a dedicated HMC-clinic setting, our multidisciplinary team develops a robust, comprehensive care plan. Our team includes adult and pediatric cardiologists and advanced practice providers specializing in HCM, electrophysiologists, interventionalists, HCM surgeons, social workers, pharmacists, geneticists and dietitians. 
• Comprehensive treatment plan: Your care includes a comprehensive, HCM-specific care plan from a multidisciplinary team using novel treatments or therapies, with personalized support from pharmacists and social workers. We also provide disease-specific education, personalized exercise prescriptions and risk assessment and arrhythmia management.
• Cutting-edge imaging, stress testing and genetic testing:  Our imaging technologies, including advanced echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac computed tomography angiography and a metabolic stress laboratory for cardiopulmonary testing, are conveniently located in close proximity to the clinical space. Genetic testing includes family screening and genetic counseling and testing.
• Advanced therapies: We provide multiple options for septal reduction therapies (including surgical and catheter-based) and other advanced heart failure therapies, including heart transplantation and ventricular assist device.

What to expect from your appointment

While many with HCM have minimal symptoms and a normal life expectancy, untreated cases can lead to serious consequences. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or changes in the heart's electrical system may manifest. These changes in the electrical system can lead to life-threatening irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or sudden death.

From diagnosis and monitoring to treatment and follow-up, we oversee every aspect of your care. Here's what you can expect before, during and after your first appointment:

• Before your appointment: We’ll ask your referring provider to send your medical records, including your medical history, test results and images. A dedicated referrals nurse will review your medical records, order necessary tests, and coordinate visits with a dietitian and geneticist if needed. This ensures an efficient and clinically effective visit with our providers. 
• During your appointment: Our multidisciplinary HCM team will evaluate your condition, determine which diagnostic care and tests are needed, and answer any questions you may have.
• After your appointment: Once your tests and diagnostics are complete, we’ll determine if a procedure is necessary or discuss your plan for medical management and follow-up. If you need a procedure, your care team will arrange any additional testing and assist with scheduling appointments. This team will also support you after your procedure.

Services and treatments for HCM

We tailor your hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care to fit your specific needs, considering your overall health, including medical history, family history and lifestyle. Our goal is to support you as you make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk and provide treatment options. We also work with your primary care doctor to ensure consistent care every step of the way. 

Your care may involve:

• Comprehensive, HCM-specific care plan from a multidisciplinary team using novel treatments or therapies 
• Family screening and genetic counseling & testing
• Personalized support from pharmacists and social workers
• Advanced imaging
• Clinical research trial enrollment
• Multiple options for septal reduction therapies (including surgical and catheter-based)
• Disease-specific education
• Personalized exercise prescriptions
• Risk assessment and arrhythmia management
• Advanced heart failure therapies, including heart transplantation and ventricular assist device

Research and Innovations

Clinical trials

We conduct a variety of clinical trials to bring you the latest treatment options – which often aren’t available anywhere else in the region. 

Our latest clinical trials include:

• Bristol-Myers-Squibb Study MYK-461-007 (MAVE-LTE)
• Bristol-Myers-Squibb Observational Study CVO27-012 (DISCOVER-HCM)
• Cytokinetics Clinical Study CY-6022
• Imbria Pharmaceutical Study (IMPROVE-HCM)
• Bristol-Myers-Squibb Study CV027-031 (ODYSSEY-HCM)
• Cytokinetics Clinical Study CY-6031 (SEQUIOA-HCM)
• Cytokinetics Clinical Study CY-6021 (REDWOOD-HCM)

Interested in a clinical trial?

Talk to your doctor or call us at 704-373-0212. 

Make a referral

When you refer a patient to us, we keep you involved and informed throughout the treatment process.

If you’re a potential patient, a self-referral is only necessary if it’s required by your health insurance provider.

If you’re a physician, medical professional or you need to self-refer, please call 704-355-3012 or send referral and accompanying records via fax to 704-667-9239.