Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic heart condition. It occurs when a muscle in your heart thickens and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood. You are more likely to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy if a close family member has it.

If you or a family member have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you should know:

• Many people with HCM live long and healthy lives.
• The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at OHSU is the only HCM Center of Excellence in Oregon.
• New medicines, like cardiac myosin inhibitors, are improving the way we treat HCM.
• Patients have access to clinical trials at the Knight Cardiovascular Institute. OHSU doctors are researching new ways to treat people with HCM.

What makes us different

• Care close to home: The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at OHSU is the only Center of Excellence in the region.
• Clinical trials and clinical research: Our doctors are committed to research to improve the lives of people with HCM. We have one of the busiest clinical research centers in the United States and have been pivotal in developing recent medical advances in HCM. OHSU was part of an international clinical trial studying a new treatment for HCM.
• Specialized team: Our care team includes experts in cardiology, medical genetics, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery and pediatric cardiology.
• Advanced care: Our doctors, nurses, counselors and pharmacists are trained in the latest medications and treatments, so you can get the most effective treatment for you.

Complete HCM care

Your care team will include doctors, nurses, counselors and pharmacists who will support you and your family.

Our experts will walk you through every step, including:

• Recognizing HCM signs and symptoms
• Diagnosing HCM
• HCM treatment options
• HCM clinical trials

The latest treatments

Our doctors work with HCM specialists around the world to develop new treatments for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A new type of medicine called cardiac myosin inhibitors treats the root cause of HCM. These medicines help your heart beat less forcefully. That can reduce your symptoms and make it easier for you to exercise.

OHSU was part of a study of aficamten, one type of cardiac myosin inhibitor. Aficamten helped people in the study use much more oxygen while exercising. This medicine could make walking and other everyday tasks easier for HCM patients. Aficamten is currently under review for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The OHSU HCM team also leads or contributes to many other advances in HCM care.

HCM clinical trials and research

Research is an important part of the work we do at OHSU. Clinical trials of new medicines help doctors find new ways to treat disease and improve your health.

You may qualify to take part in a clinical trial for people with HCM. If you do, your doctor will talk to you about what you can expect.