Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent heart condition in cats, where the muscular walls of the heart, especially the left ventricle, become abnormally thick. This thickening reduces the heart's ability to fill with blood and restricts its outward flow, impairing overall heart function. While some cats with HCM show no outward signs and live normal lives, others can develop severe complications, including congestive heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs), arterial thromboembolism (blood clots), or sudden death. Symptoms, if present, might include rapid or labored breathing, open-mouth breathing, lethargy, poor appetite, or paralysis of the hind limbs due to a blood clot. Diagnosis typically involves an echocardiogram to visualize the heart's structure and measure wall thickness, alongside chest X-rays and blood tests. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications like blood clots, and slowing disease progression with medication. Regular monitoring is crucial.