Back to Disease DictionaryHeart
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats(HCM)
The most common cardiac disease in cats, where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. Many breeds have genetic predisposition, and it can cause sudden death.
Vet Supervised
Symptoms
- Asymptomatic (early stage)
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Sudden hind limb paralysis (thromboembolism)
- Fainting
Related Symptom Pages
Causes
- Hereditary (gene mutations identified in many breeds)
- Secondary to hyperthyroidism
- Hypertension
Diagnosis
1
Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram)
2
ECG
3
Chest X-ray
4
NT-proBNP blood test
Treatment
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics (for congestive heart failure)
- Anti-thrombotic therapy (clopidogrel)
Prognosis
Asymptomatic cats can survive long-term, but prognosis is poor once heart failure or thromboembolism develops.
Severity: High
Prevention
- Genetic testing (MYBPC3, etc.)
- Annual echocardiogram
- Breeding management
Commonly Affected Breeds
Epidemiology
Prevalence
Approximately 15% of all cats
Related Articles
