HCM, a family history ?

“Identifying cardiomyopathy and finding the cause at an early stage can be crucial in saving lives. By responding quickly, we can put in place strategies to reduce the risk of complications and improve patient life expectancy and quality of life.”

Professor Antoine Bondue, cardiologist at the University Hospital of Brussels (Erasmus Hospital), and chair of the scientific committee of the Belgian Cardiology League.

“Cardiomyopathy is a condition affecting the heart muscle, which remains relatively unknown and underestimated but can significantly impact people’s lives. It is vital to raise awareness and encourage people to get tested when there is a family history. Identifying cardiomyopathies at an early stage can save patients’ lives. With timely detection, we can implement strategies to reduce the risk of complications and improve life expectancy.”

Prof. Dr. Emeline Van Craenenbroeck, cardiologist at UZ Antwerp.

About 50% of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) carry the inherited genes that cause the disease, but many are unaware of it.Elliott PM, et al. Eur Heart J. 2014;35(39):2733-2779.Maron BJ, et al. JACC Heart Fail. 2018;6(5):376-378. Maron BJ, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;60(8):705-715.

This means that a diagnosis such as this can have repercussions on close relatives, who could develop HCM symptoms over time. It is therefore recommended that close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters and children) should also be examined by a cardiologist.