The FDA has approved the drug Camzyos to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A second drug is currently under review. Other medications and lifestyle strategies can also help manage HCM.

HCM is a chronic (long-term) genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to become thick, making it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. It’s caused by changes in genes in your heart muscle.

Most people with HCM have few to no symptoms in the early stages, so they may not know that they have the condition. But over time, symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath can occur.

Getting an early diagnosis can help lower the risk of serious complications such as sudden cardiac death and heart failure. Another possible complication of HCM is atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat), which can lead to blood clots and stroke.

New research can improve the treatment and management of HCM while helping reduce these risks.

If you have HCM, here’s everything to know about the latest advances in research.

Genetics can play a key role in the development of HCM.

It’s important to be aware of your family’s medical history — especially any history of heart conditions. If family members have HCM, you might want to consider genetic testing. Genetic testing can help determine whether you carry genes that increase your risk of developing the condition.

Recent advances in research on the genetics of HCM allow for more precise and accurate diagnoses. For example, population genetic databases have increased the understanding of how the condition can affect certain groups, and this information helps healthcare professionals personalize treatment options.

Data sharing and the development of guidelines for interpreting genetic variants have helped improve knowledge of genetic conditions such as HCM.

There are many ways to test for HCM. Genetic screening can help doctors make decisions about treatment and further testing.

The test doctors most commonly use to diagnose the condition is an echocardiogram, which checks the thickness of your heart muscle and the blood flow through your heart. According to expert guidelines, echocardiograms are the main type of imaging doctors use to diagnose and monitor HCM.

Doctors can use MRIs and stress tests for further evaluation after diagnosing HCM. Some people might need to wear a Holter or event monitor to detect atypical heart rhythms.

In some cases, doctors might use a more advanced type of echocardiogram called a transesophageal echo. They tend to perform this procedure in preparation for surgical treatment.

During a transesophageal echo, a doctor inserts a probe into your throat. You’ll receive a sedative beforehand.

One of the most important research advances for HCM has been the development of cardiac myosin inhibitors, the first medications that directly treat the condition. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Camzyos (mavacamten) to treat the obstructive form of HCM in people who are experiencing symptoms.

Camzyos helps relax your heart muscle to allow more blood to flow out of your heart.

While this drug is currently approved only to treat obstructive HCM, a small 2020 study showed 53% improvement in heart wall stress in people with non-obstructive HCM who received the drug. Participants also tolerated the drug well.

More recently, the manufacturer of Camzyos conducted a larger study in people with non-obstructive HCM but reported that the drug may not produce the same effect in this form of the condition.

Experts are also studying another new cardiac myosin inhibitor called aficamten.

A small study published in 2023 found that aficamten reduced obstruction in people with the obstructive form of HCM. And a 2024 study found that people who received the drug had greater improvements in oxygen uptake during exercise than those who received a placebo.

In December 2024, the manufacturer of aficamten announced that the FDA had accepted its application for the drug. The FDA will now review the drug and decide whether to approve it.

Lifestyle changes are essential to managing HCM.

Experts recommend the following heart-healthy dietary habits:

  • eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains
  • getting half of your grains from whole grain products
  • eating foods low in saturated and trans fat, such as lean meats, fish, fat-free dairy, beans, and poultry with the skin removed
  • limiting your sodium intake to help regulate your blood pressure
  • choosing foods and drinks that are low in added sugar
  • limiting or avoiding alcohol

If applicable to you, the following lifestyle habits can also help manage HCM:

  • quitting smoking
  • getting enough sleep whenever possible
  • finding ways to reduce or manage stress
  • treating any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure

Healthcare professionals also recommend exercising regularly and managing your weight as needed. But if you have HCM, it’s important to talk with your doctor to find out whether exercise is safe for you — especially if you take medications, have other health conditions, or experience certain symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, healthcare professionals might recommend medications such as the following to help improve outcomes in HCM:

  • angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers to lower your blood pressure
  • beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers to slow down your heart rate
  • antiarrhythmics, such as disopyramide, to prevent irregular heart rhythms
  • aldosterone blockers to improve heart function
  • diuretics (sometimes called water pills) to remove excess fluid and sodium from your body
  • anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots if you are at risk of them

Surgical and minimally invasive procedures can help treat obstructive HCM. Doctors might consider open-heart surgery in some cases. They can also perform a procedure called an alcohol septal ablation, which involves injecting alcohol into a heart muscle artery to shrink thickened tissue.

In some cases, pacemakers and other surgically implanted devices can help the heart work better. Some people might need an implantable defibrillator. A heart transplant may be necessary in cases of end stage heart failure when other treatments have not been effective.

Research advances in HCM are helping experts find new treatment options for the condition. Researchers have identified medications that have fewer side effects, lower the risk of complications, and are well tolerated among people with HCM.

A combination of lifestyle strategies and medications can help you manage HCM. As research continues, new and improved treatments may result in better outcomes and higher quality of life.