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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in old agers. Definitions and general considerations
1N. Gh. Lupu Institute of Internal Medicine, Bucharest, Romania.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in older adults shows unique features, including specific left ventricular (LV) shapes and potential acquired components linked to aging. These characteristics can lead to distinct disease presentations in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary, often genetic, heart disease.
- It is characterized by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, frequently asymmetric.
- HCM presents unique features in older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the specific peculiarities of HCM in the elderly.
- To identify age-related changes contributing to HCM presentation in older adults.
- To explore the potential acquired components of HCM in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Observational study analyzing LV morphology in elderly HCM patients.
- Assessment of structural changes including aorto-septal angulation and mitral ring calcification.
- Correlation of aging-related changes with HCM manifestations.
Main Results:
- Older adults with HCM exhibit distinct LV shapes: aorto-septal angulation and septal bulge.
- Posterior mitral ring calcification is common, narrowing the LV ejection tract.
- Aging-related changes may contribute to acquired HCM components and peculiar disease forms.
Conclusions:
- HCM in the elderly possesses unique morphological characteristics.
- Acquired factors associated with aging can influence HCM presentation in older individuals.
- Understanding these peculiarities is crucial for diagnosing and managing HCM in geriatric populations.
Abstract:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a primary heart disease, in most of the cases genetically transmitted, characterized by hypertrophy, often asymmetric, of the left ventricle (LV), presents certain peculiarities in old agers. The shape of the LV in old agers, is characterized by aorto-septal angulation, by the frequent presence of a septal bulge and the calcification of the posterior mitral ring which contributes to the narrowing of the LV ejection tract by the anterior displacement of the mitral valve. Thus, HCM in old agers can also have an acquired component associated with the mild changes of aging, which in certain conditions can lead to the appearance of some peculiar forms of disease.