Help clearing up some facts

[Abbygirl2]

I was researching HCM and came across this info, can anyone tell me how much truth there is to any of this.

-A heart biopsy may be helpful to distinguish hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from other diseases.

-A coronary angiography may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

-There may be progression into dilated cardiomyopathy.

Particularily the last one...about progressing to dilated cardiomyopathy. Is this very common among HCMer's?

Thanks all,
Pam

[Lisa Salberg]

Biopsy MAY be able to show myocardial disarray - but is not a screening tool for HCM - it hold little value because you may take a biopsy from an area of the heart that does not have myocardial disarray.


A coronary angiography may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
It it more likely this will be used to rule out co-exsisting CAD.


There may be progression into dilated cardiomyopathy.
About 5% of those with HCM will progess into "end stage" or "burnt out" HCM.

Lisa