Posts by Gordon Fox
Updated thinking on HCM genetics
Since around 1990, HCM has been regarded as a disease caused entirely by single mutations in genes affecting a protein in the cardiac sarcomeres. There is no doubt that sarcomere mutations play an important role. But in the last several years, there has been a growing realization among researchers that this cannot be the entire explanation for the causes of HCM. This is because a majority of HCM patients do not appear to carry these mutations, and many people who do carry them never develop HCM. The development and inheritance of HCM are more complicated than was previously thought. However, for patients, many of the lessons previously taught about HCM genetics remain true. Current research may open the way to a much-improved understanding of HCM.
Read MoreMavacamten instead of septal reduction?
On April 2, Dr. Milind Y. Desai, a leading HCM researcher and practitioner, will present initial results on mavacamten’s use in severely obstructed HCM patients.
Read MoreTwo new state-of-the-art reviews on HCM
An expert panel of HCM doctors published two state-of-the-art reviews in the Feb. 1, 2022 issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The reviews are aimed at doctors who treat patients with HCM. But they include much information of interest to patients.
Read MoreThanksgiving and gratitude
It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S. But we’re not going to list things we should be thankful for, or rehash the history of the holiday. Instead, let’s think about gratitude, a response to some benefit given to you by someone (or something) else. Mental attitudes have been shown to affect our health. And this seems to…
Read MoreWeight loss improves HCM patients’ heart health
Weight management is a challenge for many. Losing weight is a challenge for nearly everyone who tries it. It can be more difficult for many HCM patients because we often take drugs that slow us down. It’s also hard to study: researchers can assign different groups to different diets, but how can they tell who…
Read MoreConsequences of obesity for health in HCM patients
Weight management can make a big difference for HCM patients. That’s not just something cardiologists say to lecture you. A 2020 paper, Association of Obesity With Adverse Long-term Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, provides some insight. This study by a group of leading HCM researchers from three countries examines the health consequences of body weight in…
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