Psychological Symptoms and Physical Limitations With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease of myocytes caused by a mutation in genes encoding for sarcomere proteins resulting in alterations in cardiac structure, hence affecting its function.1 It is believed that most deaths in patients living with HCM are cardiac –related, with 16% being sudden cardiac death (SCD).2 HCM is a chronic condition that creates physical limitations and affects the psychological and emotional well-being of patients. A recent study in China concluded that depression in patients with HCM was independently associated with an increased risk of SCD and heart failure events.3 Hence, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression-related symptoms and physical limitations in adults living with HCM and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in the United States. [...]incorporating a multidisciplinary approach by including psychologists and social workers early to assist and identify the psychological and social needs of patients with HCM is imperative.