Purpose of review: The management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has changed considerably over the years, although molecular therapies targeting core mechanisms of the disease are still lacking. This review provides an overview of the contemporary medical approach to patients with HCM, and of promising novel developments hopefully soon to enter the clinical arena.
Recent findings: Our perception of therapeutic targets for medical therapy in HCM is rapidly evolving. Novel approaches include myocardial metabolic modulation, late sodium current inhibition, and allosteric myosin inhibition, actively pursued to reduce and hopefully prevent the development of severe HCM phenotypes, improve symptom control, and preserve patients from disease-related complications. Clinical management of patients with HCM should be guided by in-depth knowledge of the complex mechanisms at the energetic, metabolic, and electrophysiologic level. Until new experimental therapies become available, tailored management of modifiable disease manifestations should be pursued, including lifestyle counseling and prevention of comorbidities.
Keywords: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Mavacamten; Microvascular dysfunction; Pharmacological treatment; Ranolazine.