New paradigms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Insights from genetics

Understanding the genetic basis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) provides a remarkable opportunity to predict and prevent disease. HCM is caused by mutations in sarcomere genes and is the most common monogenic cardiovascular disorder. Although unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is considered diagnostic, LVH is not always present. LV wall thickness is often normal until adolescence or later, even in individuals known to carry pathogenic sarcomere mutations. In contrast, genetic testing can identify both individuals who carry pathogenic sarcomere mutations and have a clinical diagnosis of HCM, as well as mutation carriers who have not yet manifested LVH but are very likely to develop disease. Studying this important new patient subset, designated early or preclinical HCM, allows characterization of the initial consequences of sarcomere mutations, prior to the onset of overt hypertrophic remodeling. Such study has defined novel early phenotypes, including impaired left ventricular relaxation, myocardial energetic deficiencies, and altered collagen metabolism, in mutation carriers with apparently normal cardiac morphology. These results indicate that sarcomere mutations have substantial impact on myocardial function and biochemistry before the onset of frank hypertrophy. Furthermore, animal models of preclinical HCM have identified promising new treatment strategies that may diminish the emergence of overt disease. We can now begin to reshape the paradigm for treating genetic disorders. With improved mechanistic insight and the capability for early diagnosis, genetic advances can lead to new approaches for disease modification and prevention.