Comprehensive care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic heart condition. The HCM program at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in D.C., is here with specialized care from cardiac experts who diagnose, treat, and manage patients long-term.
Our patients require specialized care to maintain quality of life, reduce their chance of sudden death, and appropriately screen their family members.
Led by Sandeep Jani, MD, in Baltimore and Patrick Bering, in D.C., our interdisciplinary team of cardiac imaging experts, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, and interventional cardiologists provide an individualized approach to care. The team also includes a dedicated cardiogenetics specialist, Hilary Porter, to determine genetic factors that may be involved.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has now approved a mavacamten for a specific subset of HCM. At MedStar Health, we have invested substantial time and resources to become one of the few
certified sites that can offer the medication safely an effectively to our patients. We are also participating in a clinical trial for second drug for the treatment of obstructive HCM.
For information about the MedStar Health Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy program, please call:
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410-554-6550 Baltimore
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202-877-2183 Washington, D.C.
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Sandeep Jani, MD
Baltimore Program Director
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Patrick Bering, MD
District of Columbia Program Director
The HCM program treats patients diagnosed with or suspected to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in addition to their first-degree relatives who may be at risk.
Program of choice
Backed by the strong reputation of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI), HCM patients receive the highest quality of care. The program offers ongoing:
- HCM management
- Sudden cardiac death risk stratification
- Arrhythmia management
- Septal reduction therapies for obstructions
- Heart failure management
- Sports and exercise prescriptions
- Research
Genetic counseling
A dedicated cardiogenetic specialist helps appropriately screen and treat family members who may be at risk.
Coordinated care
Being referred to the HCM program doesn’t mean you will no longer address your condition with your physician. We will keep your physician updated on your results every step of the way.
Location
HCM patients must often travel long distances for specialty care due to the complexity of the condition. Our program is accessible to patients throughout Maryland and the D.C. area, with everything under one roof for added convenience.
Testing for HCM
Patients may undergo the following tests:
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Echocardiogram (most common) to diagnose and monitor HCM
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Electrocardiogram(ECG)
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Diagnostic imaging, including cardiovascular MRI
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Cardiac catheterization to evaluate the function of your heart’s arteries, chambers, and valves
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Event monitor to record your heart rhythm over time
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Genetic testing to detect mutations known to cause this condition
Treatment for HCM
Treatments can include:
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Medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs to help regulate heart contractions
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Mavacamten – a novel cardiac myosin inhibitor for a specific subset of HCM patients with concomitant left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction
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Surgery to implant a pacemaker to regulate your heartbeat or a defibrillator to correct dangerous heart arrhythmia
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Open-heart surgery to remove parts of the thickened muscle or replace heart valves
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Cardiac catheterization for septal alcohol ablation to remove excess muscle tissue in the heart
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Lifestyle changes, including avoiding very strenuous activity
Our providers
Expert cardiology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our cardiologists.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.