Diagnosing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Challenges and Gaps in Clinical Practice

Welcome back to another HCPLive Peer Exchange series. In this episode titled, Diagnosing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Challenges and Gaps in Clinical Practice, Dr. Martin Maron led the conversation about the following questions:

How is the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) made in your clinic?

Do you believe that this disease is underdiagnosed in clinical practice, and why?

Panelists highlighted how hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is diagnosed in clinical practice, including the use of imaging, clinical evaluation, and family history. It examines variability in diagnostic approaches across different care settings and the potential impact on timely identification. The conversation also addresses whether HCM remains underdiagnosed and the key factors contributing to missed or delayed diagnoses, such as nonspecific symptoms and limited screening. Finally, it highlights opportunities to improve detection through increased awareness, guideline implementation, and targeted screening strategies.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

In the next episode, Recognizing and Classifying Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, panelists will continue their discussion by highlighting the key signs, symptoms, and progressive nature of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, including the typical timeline to diagnosis and factors contributing to delays. It will also explore how oHCM is classified in comparison to other forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with implications for disease management and treatment selection.