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What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease characterised by abnormal thickening of the ventricular walls. In some patients, the thickened muscle obstructs blood flow; in others, the disease is non-obstructive. HCM can be inherited and may occur at different ages.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy helps control symptoms, assess whether thickened heart muscle is obstructing blood flow, reduce the risk of complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias, and identify patients who may benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Regular follow-up also supports long-term heart health by guiding medicines, activity, lifestyle, and family screening.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

  • Shortness of Breath: Breathlessness may occur during physical activity or, in more advanced cases, at rest.
  • Chest Pain: Some patients experience chest discomfort, particularly during exertion.
  • Palpitations: A sensation of a racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat may occur because of abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Dizziness: Reduced cardiac output or abnormal rhythms may cause lightheadedness, particularly during activity.
  • Fainting: Episodes of unexplained fainting may occur and require medical evaluation, especially in people with known HCM.
  • Fatigue: Reduced ability of the heart to fill or pump efficiently can lead to tiredness and reduced exercise tolerance.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Causes

  • Inherited Genetic Changes: Most familial HCM is linked to genetic variants that affect proteins involved in heart muscle contraction.
  • Spontaneous Genetic Changes: Some patients develop HCM without a known family history.
  • Unexplained Causes: In some individuals, no specific genetic or other cause is identified.
  • Associated Conditions: Some heart-muscle disorders can produce thickening that resembles HCM and require careful evaluation to distinguish them from true HCM.

Risk Factors

  • Family History: Having a first-degree relative with HCM or unexplained sudden cardiac death can increase risk.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Inherited disease-causing variants can increase susceptibility.
  • Age: HCM can become apparent during childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or later life.
  • Previous Abnormal Cardiac Findings: Unexplained heart-muscle thickening or abnormal ECG findings may prompt further assessment.
  • Family History of Sudden Cardiac Death: This may be an important factor in individual risk assessment.

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Turkey

  • Recent advances in HCM care include cardiac MRI for detailed assessment of heart muscle thickness and scar tissue, advanced echocardiography for evaluating blood-flow obstruction, and genetic testing for selected patients and families. Newer cardiac myosin inhibitors, provide a targeted treatment option for selected adults with symptomatic obstructive HCM. Advanced risk assessment also helps identify patients who may benefit from ICDs, while specialised centres can offer septal reduction procedures, including surgical myectomy and selected catheter-based approaches.

Treatment options for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Septal Myectomy: This open-heart surgical procedure (Morrow procedure) remains the gold-standard intervention to physically excise a portion of the hypertrophied septum and relieve left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction.

Alcohol Septal Ablation: A minimally invasive, catheter-based alternative to surgery where pure alcohol is injected into a septal branch artery to induce a localised controlled infarction, thinning the muscle to reduce obstruction.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) : some HCM patients have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, and ICD decisions are based on individual risk assessment.


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Heart Transplantation : For the small percentage of HCM patients who progress to end-stage, non-obstructive "burnt-out" heart failure, an orthotopic heart transplant is the final definitive option

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Medical and Family History: Assessment of symptoms, exercise tolerance, previous fainting, family history of HCM, and sudden cardiac death.
    • Physical Examination: Evaluation for heart murmurs, abnormal heart sounds, blood pressure changes, and signs of heart failure.
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG): May identify abnormal electrical patterns associated with HCM.
    • Holter or Ambulatory ECG Monitoring: Detects intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear on a standard ECG.
    • Exercise Testing: May assess exercise capacity, blood pressure response, symptoms, and exercise-related obstruction.
    • Genetic Testing: May be offered to selected patients to identify disease-causing variants and support family screening.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • Echocardiography: The main imaging test used to assess heart-muscle thickness, heart function, valve movement, and obstruction.
    • Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of heart structure and can identify myocardial scar and other tissue characteristics.
    • Stress Echocardiography: May reveal obstruction or abnormalities that become apparent during exercise.
    • Chest X-ray: May help evaluate heart size and associated lung findings when clinically indicated.
    • Cardiac CT: Consider in selected patients when additional anatomical information is needed.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients in Turkey. These services include:

  • Individualised Exercise: Specialists can recommend appropriate physical activity based on symptoms, disease severity, and individual needs.
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Selected patients may benefit from structured, supervised rehabilitation.
  • Physical Conditioning: Gradual activity can help maintain functional capacity while avoiding inappropriate exertion.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce additional cardiovascular strain.
  • Long-Term Follow-Up: Regular cardiology assessments help monitor symptoms, heart function, rhythm, and response to treatment.
  • Select medicines based on symptoms, obstruction, heart rhythm, and overall heart function. Beta-blockers and certain calcium-channel blockers may help reduce symptoms and improve ventricular filling. Selected patients with obstructive HCM may receive cardiac myosin inhibitors, while antiarrhythmic or anticoagulant medicines may be prescribed when clinically indicated. Treatment should be supervised by a cardiologist experienced in HCM.

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Hospitals for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Turkey

Bayindir Healthcare Group: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Bayindir Healthcare Group

Ankara, Turkey

Bayindir Healthcare Group located in Ankara, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Bayindir Healthcare Group comprises 3 hospitals, 6 Dental special clinics and 1 Medical Center.
    • Sogutozu Hospital
    • Icerenkoy Hospital
    • Kavaklidere Hospital
    • Levent Medical Center
    • Fenerbahce Dental Clinic
    • Besiktas Dental Clinic
    • Icerenkoy Dental Clinic
    • Is Tower Dental Clinic
    • Sirinevler Dental Clinic
    • Alsancak Dental Clinic
  • The International Patient Center was set up in 2010. It is a resource for doctors and the available healthcare services, arranging for consultations and appointments. Also, it manages the travel, transfer, accommodation, visa and insurance resources and translation for international medical travellers.
  • Networking with physicians from various countries to ensure knowledge and know how growth and implementation work towards the benefit of patients.
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Acibadem Altunizade Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem Altunizade Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The indoor area of Acibadem Hastanesi - Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest at 98,000 square meters.
  • There are 550 beds and as many parking spots.
  • 75 of the beds are in the intensive care unit.
  • A hybrid operating room which has 3 diagnostic units at one location which is an amazing concept as at one time surgeries can be performed in 3 operating theatres.
  • International patients are serviced well through a particular center for them where services related to therapy and diagnostics are done.
  • Healthcare delivery in this part of the hospital can be availed in 16 different languages.
  • Robotic Surgery and Cell Therapy Unit are representative of the high standards of technology present in the hospital.
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Acibadem International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem International Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem International Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The Acibadem International Hospital is spread over an indoor area of atleast 19,000 square meters.
  • It comprises as many as 122 beds which also means there are intensive care beds (26) with observation beds (16).
  • Medical technologies are present such as Whole Body MR, DSA Digital Angiography, EUS (Endoultrasonography), and Ultrasonography.
  • Additional services like Heliport, Prayer Room, Cafeteria, ATM within premises etc. can also be availed.
  • Patients can choose from either a standard room or a suite during their hospital stay.
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Why Choose Turkey for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment?

  • Experienced Cardiac Specialists: Turkey has cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specialists experienced in managing complex heart-muscle disorders.
  • Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Major centres may offer advanced echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT, and ambulatory rhythm monitoring.
  • Specialised HCM Management: Appropriate patients may have access to medicines, cardiac myosin inhibitors, septal myectomy, alcohol septal ablation, and ICD implantation.
  • Advanced Electrophysiology Services: Specialist centres can evaluate and manage arrhythmias and assess the need for ICDs.
  • Multidisciplinary Care: Cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, genetics, imaging, rehabilitation, and other specialists can collaborate for complex cases.
  • Genetic Evaluation: Selected patients and families can undergo genetic counselling and testing where appropriate.
  • Personalised Treatment: Management is tailored according to symptoms, obstruction, heart function, arrhythmia risk, and genetic or family history.
  • International Patient Support: Many major Turkey hospitals offer assistance with appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, and follow-up for international patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

HCM is generally a long-term condition rather than one that is permanently cured. Recovery after procedures such as septal myectomy or alcohol septal ablation varies, while symptom control with medicines may occur gradually. Regular follow-up is important.

Many people with HCM can walk and remain physically active. The appropriate level of activity depends on symptoms, obstruction, heart rhythm, and individual risk, so discuss exercise recommendations with an HCM specialist.

Yes. Major cardiac centres in Turkey may offer advanced tests to assess hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, heart rhythm monitoring, and genetic testing. Some specialist centres also provide treatments such as ICD implantation, septal myectomy, alcohol septal ablation, and advanced electrophysiology procedures for suitable patients. Services and technologies vary by hospital.

Many major Turkish hospitals have international patient departments that help overseas patients with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, interpretation (where available), and follow-up arrangements.

Consider a centre with experience in HCM, advanced cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, genetic evaluation, risk assessment, septal reduction procedures, ICD implantation, and long-term follow-up. A multidisciplinary HCM programme can be particularly valuable for complex cases.

There is no single success rate for HCM treatment because outcomes depend on the type of HCM, symptoms, degree of obstruction, heart function, arrhythmia risk, age, and treatment used. Appropriate treatment can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications in selected patients.

Many Turkish cardiac centres have cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists experienced in diagnosing and managing HCM. Patients should consider the centre's specific expertise and experience with their type of disease.

Risks depend on the treatment. Medicines may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or slow heart rate, while septal myectomy, alcohol septal ablation, ICD implantation, and catheter procedures have specific procedural risks. The treating specialist should discuss individual risks and benefits.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart-muscle condition, not an injury. If someone with HCM develops severe chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, or a sustained rapid heartbeat, urgent medical evaluation is required.

HCM does not usually cause physical or skeletal deformities. However, severe disease or complications such as heart failure or dangerous arrhythmias may affect physical capacity and quality of life.

Yes. Breathlessness, chest discomfort, fatigue, arrhythmias, activity restrictions, and concerns about inherited disease can affect daily life. Appropriate treatment, monitoring, rehabilitation, and psychological support may help patients maintain function and well-being.

Untreated or inadequately monitored HCM may lead to worsening symptoms, heart failure, atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, blood clots in some patients, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in a subset of patients. Regular specialist evaluation helps identify and manage these risks.

Inherited HCM cannot generally be prevented. However, people with a family history can undergo appropriate cardiac evaluation and, when indicated, genetic counselling and testing. Managing other cardiovascular risk factors and maintaining regular specialist follow-up can support overall heart health.

Yes. HCM can affect people of any age or sex but is more likely in individuals with a family history or a disease-causing genetic variant associated with HCM. The condition may also be identified during evaluation of unexplained heart-muscle thickening or abnormal ECG findings.

Author

Nimra Haseeb
Nimra Haseeb

MSc Biochemistry

4 Years of Experience

Miss Nimra Haseeb is a medical researcher and a scientific content writer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a Master’s in Biochemistry from Integral University, Lucknow. With strong experience in healthcare research, she specializes in secondary research, clinical data analysis, and evidence-based medical writing. Her work focuses on transforming complex scientific and medical information into clear, accurate, and reliable healthcare content for patients and healthcare audiences. She is also experienced in interpreting medical studies and healthcare trends to deliver well-researched and informative content that supports better health awareness and decision-making. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
Dr. Nityanand Tripathi

Interventional Cardiologist

29 Years of Experience

With a rich experience of more than 29 years, Dr. Nityanand has gained a vast spectrum of skills and expertise in performing all types of complex cardiac procedures. He is an expert in clinical & interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He studied his medicine (MBBS) and MD from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and later completed his DM in Cardiology from the prestigious King George Medical University, Lucknow. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026