Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

An Approach to Study Shape-Dependent Transcriptomics at a Single Cell Level
Published on: November 2, 2020
The 20 advances that have defined contemporary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Barry J Maron1, Martin S Maron2
1Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Suite 620, 920 E, 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has evolved from a misunderstood condition to a treatable disease. Key diagnostic and therapeutic advances have significantly improved outcomes for patients with this genetic heart condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was recognized as a distinct disease entity around 1960.
- Historically, HCM was viewed as rare and poorly understood, often surrounded by controversy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the 20 most significant advances in the understanding and treatment of HCM.
- To highlight the evolution of HCM from an obscure condition to a manageable disease over 55 years.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and clinical experience spanning over 50 years.
- Identification and discussion of key innovations in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in diagnostic tools, including echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.
- Development of effective treatments such as implantable defibrillators, surgical myectomy, alcohol ablation, and heart transplantation.
- Shift in perception of HCM towards a treatable condition with reduced mortality.
Conclusions:
- HCM is now considered a contemporary disease with improved therapeutic options.
- Advances in diagnosis and treatment have transformed the management and prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Continued innovation is crucial for further improving the lives of individuals with this complex genetic disorder.
Abstract:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) emerged as a distinct disease entity in about 1960. Over the subsequent 55-year time span, HCM has undergone vast changes in its perception by the cardiovascular community, often fraught with controversy and misunderstanding, but ultimately benefiting from innovations in therapy and diagnosis, such as echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, implantable defibrillators, surgical myectomy and alcohol ablation, and heart transplantation. Once considered an oddity and exotic disease, HCM can now take its place as a contemporary and treatable disease with relatively low mortality risks. Here we have listed and discussed what we believe to be the 20 most important advances in the evolution of HCM based on more than 50 years of our combined experience with this complex genetic disease.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

