Clinical-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Felipe Gaia de Sousa1, Ana Cristina Ribeiro Mendes2, Luisa Pimenta de Carvalho2

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais-UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31620-295, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Veterinary Sciences
|April 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This review summarizes feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease in cats. Research highlights genetic causes, diagnostic methods, and current treatments to improve feline heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cardiac disease in cats.
  • It is characterized by left ventricular concentric hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.
  • Genetic mutations in sarcomeric genes are strongly implicated in HCM development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of current evidence on feline HCM.
  • To summarize the latest therapeutic advancements for managing feline HCM.
  • To identify areas requiring further research in feline HCM diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Existing evidence and recent therapeutic advancements were synthesized.
  • Diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Feline HCM involves variable, often asymmetric, concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle.
  • Diastolic dysfunction arises from cardiomyocyte disarray and myocardial fibrosis, impairing relaxation.
  • Clinical signs frequently include congestive heart failure (CHF) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE).

Conclusions:

  • Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging, though some aspects need further understanding.
  • Therapeutic management aims to control signs, slow progression, and enhance quality of life and life expectancy.
  • Continued research is crucial for refining diagnostics and developing novel treatments for feline HCM.

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
1.2K
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
828
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
798
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
810
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
957
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
761