Great question! There are actually several approaches people use to manage HCM, and the right one depends on how severe the condition is and how the heart is affected. Medication is almost always the first step.
Here's a breakdown of the main options:
Medications
- Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate so it doesn't work Show Full Answer
Great question! There are actually several approaches people use to manage HCM, and the right one depends on how severe the condition is and how the heart is affected. Medication is almost always the first step.
Here's a breakdown of the main options:
Medications:
- Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate so it doesn't work as hard
- Calcium channel blockers – Help control rhythm and relax blood vessels
- Cardiac myosin inhibitors (CMIs) like Camzyos (mavacamten) and the newer Myqorzo (aficamten) – Help the heart muscle relax and reduce obstruction
- Blood thinners – Help prevent clots
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs – Help manage irregular heartbeats Procedures & Surgery (when medications aren't enough):
- Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) – A minimally invasive procedure where alcohol is injected into the thickened heart muscle to shrink it, improving blood flow. Often preferred for older patients or those with less severe thickening
- Septal myectomy – Open-heart surgery to physically remove part of the thickened septum. More invasive but may carry fewer rhythm-related complications than ASA
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) – Monitors heart rhythm and delivers a shock if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs. One MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared, *"I've had an ICD for nine years. It saved my life twice."*
- Heart transplant – Reserved for the most severe cases involving advanced heart failure It's really important to work closely with a cardiologist — ideally one experienced with HCM — to figure out which approach fits best. Each option carries its own risks and benefits, so the decision is very personal.
July 19
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