Expert Care for HCM
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.
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 the heart muscle for thickness, if your heart is pumping normally, or if there is any obstruction to flow or leakage of heart valves.
- Stress (exercise) echocardiogram - An ultrasound test using a treadmill or bike under cardiologist supervision that checks for problems with your heart during physical activity.
- Cardiac MRI - A scan that allows us to accurately evaluate the degree and location of heart muscle thickness. A cardiac MRI also detects scar, which may result in abnormal heart rhythms in HCM patients.
- Genetic Screening and Counseling - HCM is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the muscle proteins of the heart. We recommend family screening to identify other relatives who may be similarly affected. Our HCM team has members who specialize in genetic counseling and testing and 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 can 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 specialized surgical procedure used to remove a small amount of muscle from the heart, reducing obstruction in symptomatic patients.
- Alcohol septal ablation - This procedure is a less invasive catheter-based technique performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory to relieve obstruction in symptomatic patients.
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.
For our pediatric patients, we partner with Oishei Children's Hospital at Buffalo General Health System.
Our Cardiomyopathy Program Named Center of Excellence
The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) named Rochester Regional Health a Center of Excellence for its Cardiomyopathy program. Centers of Excellence are required to provide a multidisciplinary approach to treating HCM including but not limited to, adult and pediatric cardiology services, genetic counseling, diet and nutrition education, psychological services, and support for families. Rochester Regional Health’s Rochester General Hospital is the only HCMA Center of Excellence in Western and Central New York.
Contact Us
To get started with an HCM evaluation or consultation, please call (585) 239-7349 or email us at HCMCenter@rochesterregional.org.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center
Sands-Constellation Heart Institute
Rochester General Hospital
1415 Portland Avenue, Suite 350
Rochester, NY 14621
Our HCM Experts
We've brought together cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, cardiac imaging, and OB/GYN experts from across the system to build a team focused on caring for patients with HCM. Our team is not only known for their expertise in treating HCM and other cardiac conditions, but in providing patients with comprehensive, individualized, exceptional care.