Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the aged

American Heart Journal
|September 1, 1978
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy frequently affects older adults, with symptoms often misdiagnosed. This suggests a potentially more favorable disease course for some patients, impacting clinical management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is typically associated with younger individuals.
  • However, HCM can also present in older populations, often with atypical presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an elderly patient cohort.
  • To compare clinical presentations and diagnostic findings of HCM in older versus younger patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 23 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cases over 2.5 years.
  • Inclusion of patients aged 65 years and older.
  • Cardiac catheterization and echocardiography for obstructive component assessment.

Main Results:

  • 20 of 23 HCM cases were in patients aged 65-76 years.
  • 16 of these older patients had obstructive HCM.
  • Symptoms were often misattributed to other conditions like aortic stenosis or hypertensive heart disease.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not uncommon in older adults, predominantly females.
  • The disease may present with few or no symptoms until late in life.
  • Clinical management should consider this potentially indolent course in older patients.

Related Concept Videos

Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
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...
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,...
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...
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...