Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) Treatment-Best Cardiologist in India
The heart is a very important organ. It does the function of circulating blood throughout the body. The organ is made of very special muscles, the cardiac muscles. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscles to enlarge. People who have this condition generally have a normal life. At times, it can get serious for some people, for which expert help from a cardiologist is mandatory.
Overview of HOCM:
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a complex type of heart disease that affects the heart muscles. It could be because of the following reasons:
- Thickening of the heart muscles
- Changes in the valves of the heart
- Changes in the cell structure of the heart
- Stiffness in the left ventricle of the heart.
There are septums in the heart that separate the right side of the heart from the left. When the septum or the muscular wall thickens, it reduces the blood flow in the heart. The aorta is the biggest blood vessel in the body. It takes blood from the heart and supplies it to the rest of the body’s organs. When the wall thickens, it will not send enough blood to the body’s organs.
FAQ
How common is hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy?
This condition affects 1 in 500 patients, and about 2.4 million people affected with HCM are in India. This statistic is as per the report published by Oxford Academic.
What causes hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiologists reveal several potential causes of hypertrophy cardiomyopathy. The common reason is genetics. Other causes of HOCM are as follows.
- It is possible to inherit hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) from the parents.
- The affected individual can also transmit the infection to his children.
- People with very high blood pressure can eventually develop this condition.
- Aging is one of the serious risk factors.
- Idiopathic causes – the exact reason is not known.
Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:
According to leading cardiologists, people with HOCM can have the following symptoms.
- Pain in the chest. This pain will worsen with physical activity and exercise.
- Check pain at rest or after taking food
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue after exertion
- Syncope or fainting.
- Fast heartbeat. The person will be able to feel his heartbeat
- Abnormal heartbeat.
- Swelling in the lower part of the body
- Swelling in the veins of the neck.
HOCM diagnosis:
Cardiologists recommend the following tests to diagnose HOCM.
- Electrocardiogram ( ECG) – studies the electrical activities in the heart
- Chest X-ray
- Chest Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Stress test
- Blood tests
- Rarely cardiac catheterization.
Management and treatment of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
Cardiologists will recommend the treatment depending on the symptoms that the person suffers. He will also determine the right treatment strategy depending on the symptoms and the age and activity level of the individual. The goal of the treatment is to mitigate the symptoms and avoid complications such as cardiac arrest.
The following are the treatment modalities for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM).
- Changes in lifestyle
- Medicines to treat symptoms – calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc, to relax the muscles and to help them pump blood efficiently.
- Nitrates to lower the blood pressure.
- Digoxin regulates the contraction of the heart.
- Surgical management – This includes septal myectomy, defibrillation, etc.
Bottom Line:
Cardiologists recommend limiting fluid and salt intake to avoid the occurrence of such diseases. Changes in diet and regular physical activity are mandatory to maintain good heart health. People with HOCM should perform simple cardiac activities and not indulge in heavy workouts. Above all, it is mandatory to have regular follow-up treatment with the doctor to monitor the condition and take appropriate action.
