Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease. Our team at Weill Cornell Medicine understands that every individual with HCM is affected differently, and our goal is to offer a holistic evaluation and a personalized treatment plan for you and your family members. With our multidisciplinary team, you can be confident in the care you receive.

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease caused by the thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy) leading to scarring between cells and a decreased ability for the heart to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is either characterized as obstructive or nonobstructive.

In obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes so thick it bulges out into the lower heart chambers (ventricles) whereas as in nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle is thickened, but not to the extent in which it crowds the lower heart chambers.

Some symptoms of HCM may include shortness of breath with activity, chest discomfort, heart palpitations, abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness.

Care offered at our HCM Program

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex and multi-faceted condition. Weill Cornell's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program strives to deliver state of the art and patient-centered care. As a patient you will have access to:

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing and counseling services are available in conjunction with the Medical Genetics program.

Echo

We perform regular echo and stress echoes promptly and keep track of when you need your next scan.

Cardiac MRI

We routinely perform MRIs in almost all HCM patients, helping to provide crucial information on disease prognosis.

Holter Monitor

Monitoring for arrhythmias is important in all HCM patients, this is done every ~1 year.

Surgery

If needed, we can help you decide on the utility of surgical management of HCM.

ASA

We offer minimally invasive methods of treating HCM, such as alcohol septal ablation (ASA).

Advanced Therapies

If you develop progressive heart failure, our team can help guide you on the best treatment approach.

Electrophysiology

Arrhythmias are common in HCM. Our electrophysiology team can help treat these, as well as placement of a defibrillator (ICD) if needed.

Pediatric Evaluation

Are you a parent with HCM? If so, your children require screening for HCM. Our collaboration with the pediatric cardiology division can help screen and treat all children.

Request an Appointment

To make an appointment to see one of our experts in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy please call (646) 962-5558.

If you are already an established patient, you may also request an appointment online using Weill Cornell CONNECT. We will make every effort to contact you within 24 hours.

Our staff is here to help coordinate your care. They will provide you with information on our physicians, their areas of expertise and help arrange for your visit and other testing when appropriate.

Our Team is Here to Provide You With World Class Care

Dr. Diala Steitieh

Director, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program

Dr. Daniel McDonald

Medical Director, Advanced Heart Failure in HCM

Dr. Jim Cheung

Electrophysiology

Dr. Leonard Girardi

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Jiwon Kim

Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Dr. Harsimran Singh

Interventional Cardiology

Dr. Sheila Carroll

Pediatric Cardiology