How to assess sudden cardiac death risk in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? Current challenges and future directions

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Knowledge of sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has significantly advanced.
• Standard risk stratification models are crucial for shared decision-making in HCM patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding and approaches to SCD risk stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• To highlight advanced indicators and challenges in risk assessment for specific HCM patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in SCD risk stratification for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Analysis of fundamental risk factors, risk models, and additional indicators like LVEF, LGE, and genetic variants.
• Exploration of challenges in specific HCM populations and emerging methodologies.

Main Results:

• Established risk factors and models guide SCD risk stratification in HCM.
• Additional indicators (e.g., reduced LVEF, late gadolinium enhancement, genetic variants) refine risk assessment for intermediate-risk patients.
• AI-supported multifactorial approaches show promise for individualized SCD risk prediction.

Conclusions:

• Personalized diagnosis and treatment are enhanced by detailed SCD risk stratification in HCM.
• Risk stratification remains complex in certain HCM patient subsets.
• Future directions involve leveraging advanced methodologies like AI for more precise SCD risk assessment in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.