Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in critical patients

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous disease genotypically, phenotypically, pathophysiologically, clinically, and therapeutically. In decisions on the management of these patients, it is important to recognize this heterogeneity and to direct therapy at the predominant abnormalities. The clinical identification and instrumental documentation of cardiac hypertrophy has relevant implications for the prognostic assessment of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, due to the greater risk they face of arrhythmias, sudden death and the tendency of heart failure. In our experience, after heart surgery, a good diagnostic work-up together with tailored treatment are often conducive to stabilization and outcome improvement in the critical patient.