What is hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy?

Q: I have been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The medicines prescribed were ecosprin, nitrest with vitamins. These were changed to Seloken XL 50 with vitamins, which I am continuing even now. Echocardiography was taken two years back and one was done recently. The gradient is said to be 22. What is this HOCM? Is the present medication sufficient and how long should I take these medicines? What are the diet, exercise and other precautions to be taken? What other treatment is available?

A:Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a disease characterised by dynamic obstruction to the blood flow from the left ventricle (LV) into the aorta. Generally medications like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are prescribed for the same. In some cases with high gradients, despite optimum medical management, dual chamber pacing/interventional catheter procedures and surgery may be recommended. In your case, the gradients are low and do not warrant any further intervention. You must keep under follow-up of your physician/cardiologist and annual echocardiography test.