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Updated: Oct 8, 2025

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model
Published on: August 8, 2022
A complex unit for a complex disease: the HCM-Family Unit
Olga Vriz1, Hani AlSergani1, Ahmed Nahid Elshaer2
1Department of Cardiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh. olgavriz@yahoo.com.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a rare inherited heart condition, may be more prevalent in Saudi Arabia due to consanguinity. This paper outlines diagnostic approaches and proposes a specialized multidisciplinary team for improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heritable cardiac disorder with variable clinical presentations.
- Consanguinity in Saudi Arabia may lead to a higher incidence of undiagnosed HCM cases.
- Current management strategies require a systematic approach tailored to genetic subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic diagnostic and management approach for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients.
- To highlight the impact of genetic subtypes on clinical presentation, management, and prognosis.
- To propose a specialized multidisciplinary HCM-Family Unit in Saudi Arabia, integrated with international expertise.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on HCM diagnosis and management.
- Analysis of genetic factors influencing HCM phenotypes.
- Proposal for a collaborative healthcare model involving Saudi and European centers.
Main Results:
- HCM diagnosis requires consideration of diverse clinical and genetic factors.
- Genetic variations significantly influence disease progression and treatment response.
- A structured, multidisciplinary approach enhances patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach, considering genetic heterogeneity, is crucial for effective HCM management.
- Establishing a dedicated HCM-Family Unit in Saudi Arabia can improve care coordination.
- International collaboration, like with ERN GUARD-Heart, can advance HCM research and treatment.
Abstract:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a group of heterogeneous disorders that are most commonly passed on in a heritable manner. It is a relatively rare disease around the globe, but due to increased rates of consanguinity within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we speculate a high incidence of undiagnosed cases. The aim of this paper is to elucidate a systematic approach in dealing with HCM patients and since HCM has variable presentation, we have summarized differentials for diagnosis and how different subtypes and genes can have an impact on the clinical picture, management and prognosis. Moreover, we propose a referral multi-disciplinary team HCM-Family Unit in Saudi Arabia and an integrated role in a network between King Faisal Hospital and Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Disease Unit-Monaldi Hospital, Italy (among the 24 excellence centers of the European Reference Network (ERN) GUARD-Heart). Graphical Abstract.
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