Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Cardiovascular · ~11% of blueprint
Pathophysiology
Autosomal-dominant sarcomere mutation → asymmetric septal hypertrophy → LV outflow obstruction (HOCM) + diastolic dysfunction.
Signs & Symptoms
Dyspnea, angina, syncope; harsh systolic murmur that ↑ with ↓preload (Valsalva, standing). May present as sudden cardiac death in a young athlete.
Gold Standard Diagnosis
Echocardiography (septal hypertrophy, systolic anterior motion of mitral valve, outflow gradient). ECG: LVH, deep septal Q waves.
First-line Treatment
Beta-blocker (or non-DHP CCB); avoid dehydration, pure vasodilators, high-dose diuretics. If refractory: disopyramide/mavacamten, then myectomy/ablation; ICD if high SCD risk.
High-Yield Pearl

Murmur ↑ with Valsalva/standing (↓preload) — opposite of most murmurs. Leading cause of sudden death in young athletes; screen first-degree relatives.

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Sources

Reviewed September 2026
  1. 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy — AHA/ACC, 2024
  2. StatPearls: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy — NCBI Bookshelf / StatPearls, 2025

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