American Heart Association Launches Initiative to Improve Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Care
hidden Heart Disease: New Initiative Aims to Improve Care for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Millions of Americans May Be Unaware They Have This Common, Inherited Heart Condition
An estimated 1 in 500 Americans live with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common inherited heart disease. This often-silent condition, characterized by a thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber, can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
HCM is frequently underdiagnosed and inconsistently managed, resulting in delayed treatment, increased risk of complications like stroke and heart failure, and even preventable death.Recognizing the urgent need for improved care, the American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a groundbreaking three-year initiative to standardize HCM diagnosis, treatment, and management across the contry.
“Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be an insidious disease,” says Dr. Andrew Wang, an AHA volunteer and co-chair of the Association’s HCM Science Advisory group. “Some people have no obvious symptoms, while others may only feel symptoms with exercise or exertion. This new effort is the latest chapter in the AHA’s 100-year history of improving treatment, outcomes, and quality of life for patients while supporting healthcare professionals in providing timely, guideline-directed diagnosis and treatment.”
A multi-Pronged Approach to Better Care
Supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, the AHA initiative will focus on four key areas:
National HCM Registry: A new registry powered by Get With The Guidelines® will collect and analyze real-world data on HCM patients, providing valuable insights into the disease and its progression.
Certification Program: A rigorous certification program will establish clear standards of care for sites treating HCM patients, ensuring consistent, high-quality care nationwide.
HCM Care Recognition Program: This program will recognize U.S. sites that demonstrate excellence in HCM care by piloting and validating data collection and HCM measurement with the registry.
HCM Learning Collaborative: This collaborative platform will connect healthcare professionals, fostering knowledge sharing, best practice dissemination, and national education activities.
The initiative will initially pilot data collection and certification at 15 sites, with plans to expand to 60 sites. A volunteer AHA Science Advisory Group will provide expert guidance throughout the development, implementation, and maintenance of the registry, performance measures, and recognition program.
A Beacon of Hope for HCM Patients
“Building on our longstanding commitment to addressing the burden of cardiovascular disease,we are supporting the American Heart association’s initiative aimed at establishing a unified approach to care for patients living with HCM,” says Cecilia Marta,vice president and head of U.S.Medical and cardiovascular at Bristol Myers Squibb. “HCM can be a challenging disease to diagnose and manage, and we are dedicated to the goal of this initiative to improve outcomes for patients living with HCM.”
This new initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against HCM. By standardizing care, improving diagnosis rates, and empowering healthcare professionals, the AHA aims to ensure that all Americans with HCM receive the timely, effective treatment they deserve.
A Silent Threat: New initiative Tackles hidden Heart Condition
Millions may Be Unaware They Have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common inherited heart disease affecting an estimated 1 in 500 Americans, often goes unnoticed.This silent condition, characterized by a thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber, can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Recognizing the critical need for better care, the American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a groundbreaking three-year initiative to standardize HCM diagnosis, treatment, and management across the United States.
“Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be an insidious disease,” says Dr. Andrew Wang,an AHA volunteer and co-chair of the Association’s HCM Science Advisory group. “Some people have no obvious symptoms, while others may only feel symptoms with exercise or exertion.”
He adds, “This new effort is the latest chapter in the AHA’s 100-year history of improving treatment, outcomes, and quality of life for patients while supporting healthcare professionals in providing timely, guideline-directed diagnosis and treatment.”
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Improved Care
This comprehensive initiative,supported by bristol Myers Squibb,focuses on four key areas:
National HCM Registry: This registry,powered by Get With The Guidelines®,will collect and analyze real-world data on HCM patients,shedding light on the disease and its progression.
Certification Program: A rigorous certification program will establish clear standards of care for sites treating HCM patients, ensuring consistent, high-quality care nationwide.
HCM Care Recognition Program: This program will recognize U.S. sites demonstrating excellence in HCM care by piloting and validating data collection and HCM measurement with the registry.
HCM Learning Collaborative: This platform will connect healthcare professionals, facilitating knowledge sharing, dissemination of best practices, and national education activities.
the initiative will initially pilot data collection and certification at 15 sites, with plans to expand to 60 sites. A volunteer AHA Science Advisory Group will provide expert guidance throughout the entire process.
Hope for a Healthier Future
Cecilia Marta, Vice President and Head of U.S. Medical and cardiovascular at bristol Myers Squibb, highlights the initiative’s importance.
“building on our longstanding commitment to addressing the burden of cardiovascular disease, we are supporting the American Heart Association’s initiative aimed at establishing a unified approach to care for patients living with HCM,” she says. “HCM can be a challenging disease to diagnose and manage, and we are dedicated to the goal of this initiative to improve outcomes for patients living with HCM.”
This new initiative marks a significant stride in the fight against HCM.By standardizing care,improving diagnosis rates,and empowering healthcare professionals,the AHA aims to ensure all Americans with HCM receive the timely,effective treatment they deserve.