February 27, 2026

1.3 million Americans, likely over 13,000 in Indiana alone, suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common genetic heart disease in the US. This, mainly inherited, condition causes the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen, making it very difficult to pump blood and leading to heart rhythm abnormalities. Yet, according to the National Institutes of Health, only 15% of affected individuals are even aware they have this condition. 

HCM affects every age, gender, and ethnicity; some individuals have no initial symptoms, while others experience fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, fainting, and even sudden cardiac death. These varying symptoms make HCM difficult to diagnose and often result in a misdiagnosis. Effective testing is an important first step in identifying HCM, and the best place to seek expert care is at the HCM Center of Excellence (COE). 

“We are proud to announce that IU Health has received the ‘Center of Excellence’ recognition from the HCMA. IU Health offers a multidisciplinary team approach to treating HCM Spectrum disorders, including diagnostic imaging, diagnostic procedures, genetic counseling, medical treatment, arrhythmia management, catheter-based and surgical treatment options, and advanced heart failure and transplant services.” Indiana University Health Methodist, Roopa Rao, MD, Program Director

For more information about  IU Health, please visit:  https://www.4hcm.org/COE/Indiana. 

For more information on all HCMA Recognized Centers of Excellence, please visit https://www.4hcm.org/center-of-excellence. 

About the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA)

The HCMA, was founded in 1996 as an international resource for patients, families, and the medical community on matters of importance. HCM is a genetic heart muscle disorder affecting 1 in 250 people worldwide. The HCMA provides services to enhance understanding, provide support, foster research, ensure high-quality health care, and support public policies of importance. The HCMA is a 501c(3) with offices in Denville, NJ, and online at www.4hcm.org.