Target: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy™
A complex heart condition. A growing focus for discovery.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. It’s the most common inherited heart condition, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles.
Despite its frequency, HCM is often misunderstood—and sometimes undiagnosed. The American Heart Association is committed to changing that through research, education and equitable care.
What is HCM?
In HCM, the heart muscle—most often the left ventricle—thickens without an obvious cause like high blood pressure or valve disease. This thickening can:
- Reduce blood flow out of the heart
- Interfere with normal heart rhythms
- Cause symptoms that range from mild to life‑altering
Some people with HCM live full, active lives without symptoms. Others may experience serious complications. Because HCM often runs in families, early detection matters.
HCM Registry
The American Heart Association’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Registry is a national quality improvement initiative designed to collect real‑world data on the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of people living with HCM. By participating, clinical teams can benchmark care, identify gaps, and drive evidence‑based improvements that advance equitable, high‑quality HCM care nationwide.
HCM Certification
The American Heart Association’s HCM Certification program recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate a commitment to high‑quality, evidence‑based care for people living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Through standardized practices, multidisciplinary care and continuous quality improvement, the program helps advance consistent, patient‑centered HCM care across the healthcare system.
