Question 1

what is hocm an acronym for?

Accepted Answer

It is: Hocm is an acronym for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death among young otherwise healthy athletes.  We don't fully understand the causes, but it appears to be genetic in nature and results in abnormal cardiac muscle growth.  There are tests for the condition - see your doctor if you think you may have it.

Question 2

what is used to treat hocm?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Usually beta blockers are used to slow the heart rate and the patient is advised to avoid dehydration; however as hocm progresses one can have surgical myomectomy, alcohol septal ablation, or heart transplant.

Question 3

what is the screening for hocm?

Accepted Answer

Echo or exam: In italy, all athletes are screened with echocardiograms which is an excellent test for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  In the United States, athletes are screened with physical examination.  Some patients, but not all patients, will have a typical murmur suggestive of this disorder.

Question 4

my brother has hocm. is there a cure?

Accepted Answer

HCM cure?: There is no cure for this condition. Treatment is aimed at symptom relief and protection from sudden cardiac arrest. There is a strong genetic component to this disease and you and any other siblings as well as any children he has should be screened for this.

Question 5

what is the medical definition for hocm?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal muscle: Genetically caused abnormal heart muscle growth that interferes with blood passing out of the left ventricle (hypertrophic obstructive cardio myopathy ).

Question 6

what are the chances of someone getting hocm?

Accepted Answer

Genetic: It depends on your family history...If hocm runs in your family it is an inherited condition and you should receive screening echocardiograms; however, if there is no family history, it is very unlikey to spontaneously develop hocm.

Question 7

is there an exercise dvd that follows the hocm rules?

Accepted Answer

No: Very unlikely due to liability issues -- you better off ask your doctor for advise and supervision about safety (and limitations) of exercise and activity in the presence of hocm.

Question 8

is surgery best to correct hocm?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Most cases can be treated medically. If the problem is severe, surgery may be advisable. Injection of alcohol into a coronary artery branch is an alternative to surgery. Which approach is better remains to be seen.

Question 9

which people are candidates for mechanical therapy for hocm?

Accepted Answer

Symptomatic: Mechanical therapy for hocm depends on the severity of the disease and symtpoms. Assymptomatic people with low gradients and no history or risk factors for dysrhythmias may only need observation and/or medical therapy. Obstructive disease may require alcohol septal ablative therapy, or surgery. A family history of sudden death or dysrhythmias may require pacing/defibrillator therapy.

Question 10

i have hocm doctors suggest a icd but is there a way to avoid it my echo gradient is 35 to 40% at present i am on selokene 50 twice daily and rosuvus?

Accepted Answer

HOCM: If there's a family incidence of sudden death or if your heart is very thick we generally recommend an icd. Likewise if theres a history of syncope or serious arrhythmia. Discuss the reasons for the recommendation with your doctor who knows you and your situation.

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Doctor answers about:

What is hocm

A member asked:

What is hocm an acronym for?

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What is used to treat hocm?

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What is the screening for hocm?

A member asked:

My brother has hocm. is there a cure?

A member asked:

What is the medical definition for hocm?

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What are the chances of someone getting hocm?

A member asked:

Is there an exercise dvd that follows the hocm rules?

A member asked:

Is surgery best to correct hocm?

A member asked:

Which people are candidates for mechanical therapy for hocm?

A member asked:

I have hocm doctors suggest a icd but is there a way to avoid it my echo gradient is 35 to 40% at present i am on selokene 50 twice daily and rosuvus?

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