Elena Morgan • May 13, 2024
HCMA’s Lifesaving Engagement in the Local Community 

On April 20th, HCMA spread awareness of HCM and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at the Denville Little League’s opening day ceremony, which attracted over 1,000 residents. At HCMA’s booth, Lisa Salberg, Elena Morgan, Adam Salberg, Lisa Vecchione, Kim Walsh, Arniella Santos, and John Titus, shared information about HCM and SCA preparedness, while promoting an upcoming training focused on sports teams– Drill: Dr. Heart

On April 27th, HCMA led a Drill: Dr. Heart training session. This hands-on training was designed to equip attendees with the skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. One of the highlights of the training was the introduction to the new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at Denville sports fields, led by Denville Emergency Manager, Wesley Sharples.  The training wasn’t just for sports enthusiasts; it was emphasized that these skills are invaluable in various settings including workplaces, schools, and social gatherings—anywhere hearts gather.

The goal of Drill: Dr. Heart is to ensure that every sports team, student activity, classroom, and workplace is prepared for sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to support from Defibtech, HCMA will give away four AEDs to deserving schools, sports teams, houses of worship, or community organizations through the Drill: Dr. Heart initiative. If you’d like to win an AED for your organization, complete the drill with your group and then complete this form to enter our competition. 

HCMA Blog

April 30, 2025
Medical Management means using medicines and other non-invasive therapies to relieve symptoms. It's exciting that new treatments for HCM are being studied and that the FDA approved Camzyos in 2022! HCM can cause various symptoms depending on how stiff the heart is, how much scarring (fibrosis) there is, and whether there is obstruction. Some people have no noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms are chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, palpitations, and brain fog. Syncope (fainting) is dramatic but not as common as the other symptoms. Medications are the first-line treatment for symptoms of HCM. If patients can't take one class of medication, they can try a medication from a different class. Here are some medications used to treat HCM and what they're for: Beta Blockers - make your heart beat slower and relax better. They allow the heart to fill more completely between beats. They can lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms. Calcium Channel Blockers - used to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. May reduce symptoms from obstruction in HCM. Myosin Inhibitors - cause the heart to beat with less force. They may reduce obstruction and septal thickness in some patients. Camzyos (mavacamten) is the first of this class of medication. For more information, click HERE . Antiarrhythmics - help to restore normal rhythm in the heart. Blood Thinners - anticoagulants and anti-platelets make it harder for blood to clot. They are prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke. This risk is higher in patients with afib, aflutter, and artificial heart valves. Diuretics , or "water pills," help the kidneys get rid of extra water and salt, reducing swelling in the body. Sodium Channel Blockers - may reduce gradient in obstructive HCM and can treat chest pain. Some also act as antiarrhythmics. Antibiotics - treat or prevent bacterial infections. In HCM, they may be given before dental work to prevent infective endocarditis. To learn more and see the side effects of these medications, click HERE .
On a green background, a line drawing of a head that has complicated arrows pointing outwards
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