Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at Rochester Regional Health provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM, a heart disease that affects the heart muscles. 

We offer the region’s most experienced team in caring for HCM patients and their families, offering innovative treatments that are not available at other institutions locally. 

HCM Testing and Diagnosis

If you or your physician suspects you may have HCM, the first step is setting up a comprehensive physical exam at our HCM Center in Rochester, NY. After the physical exam, our team may request some of the following tests to confirm your HCM diagnosis:

• Electrocardiogram (or EKG) - A test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart.
• Echocardiogram (or Echo) - An ultrasound test that checks for heart thickness, if your heart is pumping normally, if there is any obstruction to flow or leakage of heart valves.
• Stress (exercise) echocardiogram - A test that checks for problems with your heart during physical activity.
• Cardiac MRI - A scan that allows us to accurately evaluate the thickness of your heart muscle and detect scars.

Since HCM is a genetic disease, we also recommend family screening to identify other relatives who may be affected. We use the diagnostic tests above, as well as genetic testing, to determine your family members' risk. The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association is a great resource that focuses on improving the lives of people diagnosed with HCM. 

HCM Treatment Options at Rochester Regional Health

At Rochester Regional Health, we offer the full range of treatment options for HCM, including:

Medication Management
Most HCM patients are able to successfully control their symptoms solely with medications. 

Our team helps to manage the prescription and usage of these drugs, tailoring the treatment plan to each patient’s unique goals and health.

Surgical Treatments

When further treatment beyond medical management is needed, we offer:

• Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) - An ICD is a device inserted under the skin that is capable of sensing potentially lethal arrhythmias and automatically stops them by shocking the heart, returning it to a normal rhythm to prevent sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients.
• Surgical septal myectomy - A special surgical procedure used to remove a small amount of muscle from the heart, reducing obstruction.
• Alcohol septal ablation - This procedure is a less invasive catheter based technique performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory to relieve obstruction in symptomatic patients.

If needed, we also coordinate our patients' pediatric care with the Cleveland Clinic and heart transplants with Westchester Medical Center. 

Why Choose the HCM Center at Rochester Regional Health?

Rochester Regional Health is the leading provider of comprehensive cardiac care for patients across Greater Rochester, Western New York, and the Finger Lakes region.

Since 2015, our 40+ Cardiologists and Cardiothoracic Surgeons have been improving the quality and quantity of life for our patients and their families. Our HCM Center gives patients access to state-of-the-art diagnostic services, innovative research, advanced technologies, and, most importantly, personalized, comprehensive patient-focused care. 

Contact Us

To get started with a HCM evaluation or consultation, please call 585-442-5320.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center
Sands-Constellation Heart Institute
Rochester General Hospital
1415 Portland Avenue, Suite 240
Rochester, NY 14621