Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart muscle disease caused by the thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy). This thickening is typically in the left ventricle – the chamber that pumps oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Typical signs of HCM include decreased ability to exercise, abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias), symptoms of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death.

HCM is the most common heart disease that can be inherited through families. If your case of HCM is caused by a genetic abnormality (a change in your genes), your family members have a 50% chance to also develop HCM. Genetic testing can help uncover the origin of the disease, tailor therapies to each person and identify the disease in your family members.

Le Bonheur’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program provides comprehensive cardiovascular care for pediatric HCM patients from screening to diagnosis to medical and surgical therapeutic options. The Heart Institute at Le Bonheur is recognized as an Accredited Center of Care Program by the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation and is certified as a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. 

Why Le Bonheur’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program?

• We have one of the largest HCM clinics in the world with six specially-trained, dedicated cardiologists providing complementary perspectives. Our patients and families are also supported by speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers and dietitians.
• We are one of the few HCM centers in the country dedicated to the care of pediatric patients with cardiomyopathies.
• We provide precision medicine in the management of cardiomyopathies. This means that disease treatment and prevention measures are tailored to the unique circumstances of individuals and their family with heritable cardiovascular diseases, including their genetic makeup, environment and lifestyle.
• Our HCM team consults with a wide variety of subspecialists to care for every aspect of a child’s health, including:
  • Cardiac Critical Care Intensivists
  • Geneticists
  • Electrophysiologists
  • Advanced Imaging Cardiologists
  • Infectious Disease Specialists
  • Nephrologists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Neurologists
  • Hematologists
  • Pathologists
  • Cardiac Physiologists

To schedule an appointment at the HCM clinic, call 901-287-7159.

Diagnostic Approach

Patients visiting the HCM Center may undergo heart imaging and testing during their appointment. These diagnostic tests include:

• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Echocardiography (ECHO)
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)
• Cardiopumonary exercise testing (CPET)
• Genetic and metabolic testing

Treatment Options

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment options are tailored to each patient based on the characteristics of their disease. Some management options include:

• Oral medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blocks and others)
• Electrophysiological therapies such as pacemakers and implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICD)
• Surgical options when necessary
• Categorization of the disease incorporating cardio-pulmonary exercise testing

We provide full genetic screening for family members of HCM patients who may be considered to be at risk of having the disease. Genetic evaluation includes:

• Pre-test counseling regarding the benefits and limits of genetic testing
• Post-test counseling, including discussion of what your genetic results mean as well as risk stratification and therapeutic options for the patient and other at-risk family members
• Discussion of insurance coverage and protections provided by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Preparing for Your Appointment

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic is located on the 2^nd floor of Le Bonheur’s Outpatient Center at 51 N. Dunlap Street. Parking is available in the garage at 130 North Manassas Street. Prior to your appointment, you will receive a call to discuss basic information about your visit, including transportation and lodging options.

Please arrive at your appointment 30 minutes early for registration, and prepare for the clinic visit to last up to four hours, depending on the complexity of your child’s case and tests needed. After basic vital information is gathered, you and your child will first meet in an exam room with one of our nurses who will explain your clinic visit schedule, studies or tests that need to be completed and any referrals needed to other specialties. You and your child may need to visit another room to complete studies or tests such as an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Then you will meet with your specially-trained cardiologist in the exam room for physical examination and to discuss the study results, future plans for your child and their best path of management for HCM. Nurses will handle any further testing needed and instruct you on how to schedule follow-up appointments.

Patient and Family Resources

• Cardiac Kids Camp
• Out-of-town families may be able to stay at FedExFamilyHouse, a 75-room and suite facility for out-of-town families with children receiving treatment at Le Bonheur.
• Places to stay
• Family-friendly activities in Memphis