Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to sudden death

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the heart muscle, which causes the heart to reduce its ability to contract blood circulation, affecting the heart rhythm causing arrhythmias. The disease is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the main pumping cavity (left ventricle), the cavity inside the left ventricle is shrunk, the heart cannot dilate between beats causing the ventricles to pump less blood out of the heart. This causes the patient angina, shortness of breath, which can lead to sudden death.

Most patients with myocardial hypertrophy have no symptoms. The disease is only detected through routine medical examination.

The solution prevents hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

 Current treatments for this disease are mainly to alleviate the symptoms and complications of the disease with the aim of slowing or regulating the heart rate. Therefore, therapies that slow the progression of the disease and address the underlying causes are urgently needed.

Research at Northwestern University (USA) shows that Valsartan - a drug similar to angiotensin II receptors, can stop the development of hypertrophy at an early stage. 

The scientists conducted the trial with more than 170 participants aged 8 to 45 years who were diagnosed with early-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Participants were randomized to receive either Valsartan or a placebo for 2 years. The researchers monitored for changes in cardiovascular characteristics, including the participants' left ventricular wall thickness, volume and volume.

The results showed that the group receiving Valsartan had much improved heart structure and function compared to the placebo group. The drug is also well tolerated. However, the scientists said, further research is needed into the long-term effects of the drug and determining the optimal time to use it for patients.

This is the first time the team has identified a treatment that can impact disease development, rather than just treating symptoms. Scientists say that if it is possible to delay the progression of the disease, it will prevent the risk of sudden cardiac death in this group of patients.

There are many children and young adults who carry the disease-causing mutation from their families but still have normal echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and even cardiac MRIs. Thus, the use of Valsartan has significant benefits for a completely asymptomatic population of myocardial hypertrophy.

Source: Health & Life Newspaper

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