Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thicker than usual. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Because HCM can affect people differently and heart health can change over time, care often involves a healthcare team that works together to manage the condition.

HCM is often diagnosed by a cardiologist or pediatric cardiologist. After diagnosis, many people with HCM benefit from working with a healthcare professional who specializes in inherited or complex heart conditions. People with HCM may also be referred to a cardiomyopathy center or HCM specialty program, where clinicians focus specifically on HCM and other complex heart conditions and provide coordinated care (care that’s planned together across your care team).

In this article, learn which specialists treat HCM and how to find the right care team for your needs.

Doctors That Treat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Several types of doctors treat HCM. Depending on your symptoms, treatment side effects, disease progression, and overall health, you may need to work with some or all of these specialists. Your HCM care team may also change over time as your medical needs evolve.

Below are several key healthcare providers commonly involved in HCM care.

Cardiologists

A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They can order echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG), computed tomography (CT) scans, and other diagnostic tests, and they’re usually involved in diagnosing HCM. Your cardiologist may also serve as your main point of contact for ongoing HCM care, coordinating with other specialists as needed.

Your cardiologist may serve as your main point of contact for ongoing HCM care and can coordinate with other specialists as needed.

Interventional Cardiologists

An interventional cardiologist is a specialist who has received additional training to use small, flexible tubes called catheters to diagnose and treat heart or blood vessel conditions without traditional surgery. For people with HCM, interventional cardiologists often perform alcohol septal ablations. These minimally invasive procedures help improve blood flow out of the heart.

Electrophysiologists

An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the heart’s electrical system. People with HCM may need to see an electrophysiologist if they experience arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) or other electrical issues that affect heart health. These specialists can help manage symptoms, recommend treatment options, and determine whether devices like pacemakers or defibrillators are needed.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a doctor who performs surgery on the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest. Many heart surgeries, including septal myectomy, are performed by cardiothoracic surgeons who specialize in cardiac surgery.

People with HCM may see a cardiothoracic surgeon if they need a septal myectomy, which is an open-heart surgery to restore blood flow. This procedure is the most common surgical treatment for HCM. Cardiothoracic surgeons can also perform repairs to the mitral valve, which may be stretched out due to HCM.

Genetic Counselors

A genetic counselor is an expert in medical genetics who can help individuals and families understand their risk for inherited conditions and how certain genetic conditions might affect them. People with HCM may be referred to a genetic counselor if they have an inherited form of HCM or want to know if the condition runs in their family.

People with HCM may be referred to a genetic counselor if they have an inherited form of HCM or want to know if the condition runs in their family.

Genetic counselors can explain genetic testing options, order tests, interpret results, and discuss what those results mean for family members. When needed, they can also coordinate with medical geneticists, who are physicians specializing in hereditary conditions.

Heart Failure Specialists

A heart failure specialist is a cardiologist who has received additional training in heart failure management. They can help people with heart failure live longer and more comfortably through treatment and close monitoring of symptoms and quality of life. People with HCM may be referred to a heart failure specialist if the disease progresses to the point where the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

Pediatric Cardiologists

When a child or teen is diagnosed with HCM, it’s generally recommended to work with a pediatric cardiologist. These heart specialists focus on diagnosing and managing HCM and other heart conditions in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. For additional pediatric resources and support, the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Association offers information and guidance for families navigating HCM and other heart conditions.

Other Healthcare Professionals

Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, the HCM care team may include a range of other healthcare professionals, including:

• Nurse practitioners — Help manage symptoms, medications, and follow-up care
• Physician assistants — Support cardiology visits, monitoring, and treatment plans
• Anesthesiologists — Manage anesthesia and heart-safe monitoring during procedures or surgery
• Radiologists — Interpret imaging tests (like cardiac MRI or CT scans) to assess heart structure
• Psychologists — Help with stress, anxiety, or adjusting to living with HCM
• Therapists — Support coping skills, behavior changes, and emotional well-being
• Social workers — Connect you with resources, insurance help, and practical support

Each plays an important role in supporting overall health, managing symptoms, assisting with specific procedures, or addressing the emotional and practical aspects of living with HCM.

If you ever have questions about a provider’s role or why your care team is making a specific referral, don’t hesitate to ask. You can also request referrals for additional support if you feel you need care from someone not already on your team.

Finding a Specialist or Program

There are several ways to find specialists or care programs experienced in treating HCM. You can start with your primary care provider or a general cardiologist who can help coordinate your care and refer you to specialists.

To find an HCM specialist, ask your general cardiologist or primary care provider for a referral and help coordinating your care.

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) maintains a directory of recognized Centers of Excellence. To qualify, these programs must meet HCMA guidelines and demonstrate experience providing high-quality HCM care. You can use the organization’s free online search tool to find a center near you.

You can also explore hospital websites and academic medical centers that are known for advanced heart care, including:

• Cleveland Clinic
• Columbia University Medical Center
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital (for pediatric HCM)
• Mayo Clinic
• NYU Langone Health
• OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute
• Stanford Medicine
• UCLA Health

Connecting with HCM support groups may also be helpful. People living with HCM are often willing to share recommendations based on their own experiences with specialists and care programs.

When meeting with a new provider, it’s important to ask about their experience treating HCM, including how often they care for people with this condition and whether treatment is provided by a multidisciplinary team of experts.

It’s also OK, and often encouraged, to seek a second opinion or visit more than one center before choosing a specialist. You deserve care that feels right for you. Taking time to find the right fit can make a real difference.

Preparing for Appointments

Being prepared for medical appointments can help you make the most of your time with your care team and ensure your questions get answered. In addition to asking whether you need to do anything to prepare, such as adjusting your diet, medications, or activity level, these tips can help you feel organized and confident as you head into your appointment:

• Bring a list of your symptoms, including when they occur, how often they happen, and how they affect your daily life.
• Bring copies of your medical records and test results with you, or confirm they’ve been shared with your provider.
• Be ready to discuss your family history, including whether anyone in your family has had HCM or other heart conditions.
• Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take, with dosages.
• Write down questions in advance so you don’t forget what you want to ask during your appointment.
• Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend with you to help take notes, ask questions, and serve as an extra set of ears.

Finding the right specialists and building a care team for HCM can take time and effort, but it’s worth it to ensure you receive the best medical care and support.

Join the Conversation

On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How did you build your HCM care team? Let others know in the comments below.