Weight loss in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A clinical case series

Maria C Reuter; Daniele Massera; Leon Axel; Larry A Latson; Jonathan M Goldstein; Alexandra Stepanovic; Mark V Sherrid

doi:10.1016/j.ijcrp.2023.200179

Weight loss in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A clinical case series

Int J Cardiol Cardiovasc Risk Prev. 2023 Feb 26:17:200179. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2023.200179. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Authors

Maria C Reuter¹, Daniele Massera¹, Leon Axel², Larry A Latson², Jonathan M Goldstein², Alexandra Stepanovic¹, Mark V Sherrid¹

Affiliations

¹ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
² NYU Radiology Associates, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is prevalent among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Obese HCM patients have greater wall thickness, LV mass, worse hemodynamic function and NYHA class. Weight loss may favorably influence the HCM phenotype.

Case summary: We describe six patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who lost weight through diet and lifestyle changes (n = 4) or bariatric surgery (n = 2). Radiographic imaging, with cardiac MRI or CT scan, was performed before and after their weight loss. There was a mean decrease in LV mass and indexed LV mass, and a mean numerical decrease in mean wall thickness in up to 14 out of 18 LV segments. There was also NYHA class reduction in symptoms.

Discussion: In this case series, we have shown that substantial weight loss in HCM patients can be associated with a decrease in LV mass, wall thickness and improvement in symptoms. These observations indicate the potential for positive remodeling of the heart by weight loss. Prospective studies of the benefits of weight loss in HCM are needed.

Keywords: Cardiomyopathy; Case report; Obesity; Weight loss.

Publication types

Case Reports