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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease. Our team at Weill Cornell Medicine understands that every individual with HCM is affected differently, and our goal is to offer a holistic evaluation and a personalized treatment plan for you and your family members. With our multidisciplinary team, you can be confident in the care you receive.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (a process called hypertrophy). This thickening can make it harder for the heart to relax and fill properly, and in some cases, it can block blood flow out of the heart. Over time, the thickened muscle may also develop areas of scarring that can affect the heart’s electrical system and pumping function. HCM can be obstructive or nonobstructive. In obstructive HCM, the thickened muscle partially blocks blood flow leaving the heart. In nonobstructive HCM, the muscle is thickened but does not significantly block blood flow. Common symptoms include shortness of breath (especially with exertion), chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, fainting, and abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. However, some people with HCM may have few or no symptoms.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex and multi-faceted condition. Weill Cornell Medicine's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program strives to deliver state of the art and patient-centered care. As a patient you will have access to:
Genetic Testing: Genetic testing and counseling services are available in conjunction with the Medical Genetics program.
Echo: We perform regular echo and stress echos promptly, and keep track of when you need your next scan.
Cardiac MRI: We routinely perform MRIs in almost all HCM patients, helping to provide crutial information on disease prognosis.
Holter Monitor: Monitoring for arrhythmias is important in all HCM patients, this is done every ~1 year.
Surgery: If needed, we can help you decide on the utility of surgical management of HCM.
ASA: We offer minimally invasive methods of treating HCM, such as alcohol septal ablation (ASA).
Advacned Therapies: If you develop progressive heart failure, our team can help guide you on the best treatment approach.
Electrophysiology: Arrhythmias are common in HCM. Our electrophysiology team can help treat these, as well as placement of a defibrillator (ICD) if needed.
Pediatric Evaluation: Are you a parent with HCM? If so, your children require screening for HCM. Our collaboration with the pediatric cardiology division can help screen and treat all children.
To schedule an appointment to see one of our physicians with expertise in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you may call our physician offices directly at (646) 962-5558.
If you are already an established patient, you may also request an appointment online using Weill Cornell CONNECT. We will make every effort to contact you within 24 hours.
Our staff is here to help coordinate your care. They will provide you with information on our physicians, their areas of expertise and help arrange for your visit and other testing when appropriate.
To prepare for your appointment, please ensure to bring the most recent reports (if available) of your echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, ambulatory holter monitor, stress echocardiogram, and other cardiac testing. If possible, it is best to also bring a CD containing images of your most recent echocardiogram. If you have a family history of HCM, please bring details of this history (who has been diagnosed, their clinical trajectory, and the results of any genetic testing).
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association
Learn more about the HCMA and living with HCM.
