Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Repair of Atrial Septal Defects
摘要
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken, leading to reduced blood flow and potential arrhythmias. Symptoms of the condition range from shortness of breath and fatigue to chest pain and fainting, depending on the degree of blood flow obstruction. HCM can be diagnosed through imaging, stress testing, or family screening. Treatment options include medications and/or surgical procedures to remove heart muscle (myomectomy), such as an alcohol septal ablation, which involves injecting alcohol into the heart to shrink obstructing muscle. For patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be indicated. Overall, HCM is a complex condition that deserves comprehensive care, which can be obtained from specialized centers of excellence.