Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
What Is Heart Failure?
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy, or HOCM, is a condition where the walls of the heart muscle become unusually thick. In a healthy heart, the muscle is just the right size to pump blood easily. With HOCM, the thickened muscle can block or “obstruct” the path of blood as it tries to leave the heart. This makes the heart work much harder than it should. People with HOCM might feel short of breath, have chest pain, or feel dizzy during exercise.
Why Seeing a Cardiologist Is Important
Because this condition involves the heart’s physical structure, seeing a cardiologist is essential. Without a proper check-up, HOCM can lead to serious heart rhythm problems or other health risks. An expert can use tools like an echocardiogram to see the heart in real-time and create a safe plan to manage the condition. Early evaluation lowers these risks significantly and helps patients get back to doing the things they love with more energy and less worry.
Convenient In-Office Evaluation and Treatment
At Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants, HOCM evaluations are offered in a convenient office location. Evaluations often include:
- Detailed medical history, family history, and physical exam
- Heart imaging, often including an echocardiogram
- Electrocardiograms (EKG)
- Lab testing to assess overall health
- Surveys of heart failure-related symptoms
Treatment plans are personalized and may include:
- Home-based monitoring of your blood pressure and weights
- Medications to help the heart pump more effectively
- Lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake and increasing activity
- Nutrition counseling to support a heart-healthy diet
- Follow-up echocardiograms to evaluate for treatment response
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits
Why Choose Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants?
You are in expert hands with Dr. Bunte and the Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants team. Dr. Bunte is a triple-board certified cardiologist trained at the Cleveland Clinic and has been recognized as an award-winning “Top Doctor” for his high level of care. The Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants team is committed to effective and personalized management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a convenient and supportive office setting.
