Why Seeking an Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Specialist Could Change Your Care

Up until now, your general cardiologist has likely played an important role in your care. But because obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) is a complex condition that can progress differently for everyone, you may also want to seek out a doctor who specializes in the condition.

Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy “is a really nuanced diagnosis,” says Jessica Lauren Atkins, MD, a cardiologist specializing in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at Medical University of South Carolina Health in Charleston. “[Anyone] diagnosed with oHCM should probably have at least a onetime evaluation in any sort of HCM comprehensive center.”

Seeing a specialist doesn’t mean parting ways with your current doctor. Instead, a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy center adds a layer of specialized expertise, while your local cardiologist may continue to manage your routine care.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy programs offer multidisciplinary teams of specialists who regularly treat people with the condition. Depending on your health needs, your team may include a:

• Cardiologist
• Heart failure specialist
• Cardiovascular genetics specialist
• Cardiothoracic surgeon
• Electrophysiologist
• Interventional cardiologist
  

The Providers Have More Experience Treating oHCM

You can seek out a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy program anytime. “We tend to get a lot of referrals for patients who are doing well, just to make sure they’re not missing anything,” says Dr. Atkins.

The Centers Often Have More Advanced Testing and Therapies for oHCM

Comprehensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy centers also offer specialized diagnostic tools and newer treatment options that might not be as readily available in standard settings. These can include:

• Advanced echocardiograms
• Cardiac MRI
• Specialized stress testing
• Genetic testing and counseling

“We’re able to offer more advanced medical therapies [and] up-and-coming research options in terms of clinical trials or research studies,” says Atkins.

If you feel hesitant about asking your cardiologist for a referral, remember that seeking specialized care isn’t a criticism of your local physician. In fact, your cardiologist will likely welcome the partnership and work with the specialist on your behalf.

You can start the conversation by asking:

• “Would you recommend that I have an evaluation at a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy comprehensive center?”
• “Could an HCM specialist review my diagnosis and treatment plan?”
• “Can we continue working together if I see an HCM specialist?”

You don’t need to know precisely which type of specialist you need or what testing to ask for before bringing it up. Simply starting the conversation will help everyone make the best decisions for your health.