Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Center
Personalized Care, Innovative Treatment for a Complex Disease
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition characterized by abnormal thickening (“hypertrophy”) of the heart muscle, most often in the main pumping chamber called the left ventricle.
In HCM, the hypertrophy is due to disorganized muscle fibers, most likely present at birth. Thickening is progressive and can eventually obstruct outflow of blood from the left ventricle to the body.
Since symptoms of HCM range from chest pain to sudden cardiac death, early treatment is a necessity. There is no definitive cure for HCM, but most people are able to live long, healthy lives under the care of their doctors.
At UPMC's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Center, people with HCM have access to:
Children with HCM can receive treatment at our clinic at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Additional Resources