Screening for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy in Patients With Panic Disorder: A Case Report

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a cardiovascular disease that is widely recognized as an important cause of various cardiovascular pathologies. Passed through an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, mutations can result in cardiac dysfunction that can manifest in dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and sudden death. Panic disorder can present similarly to HOCM; however, precautions and treatment differ significantly. Here, we present a case of a 56-year-old male with a history of panic disorder who presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of palpitations, lightheadedness, and dyspnea, and who was subsequently hospitalized due to new ventricular tachyarrhythmia and diagnosed with HOCM. This case highlights the importance of detailed history taking, follow-up of chronic symptoms, and consideration of genetic screening for HOCM in patients with panic disorder.