[Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: DNA diagnosis, genetic counselling and the risk of sudden cardiac death]

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic heart disease with a clinical prevalence of 1 in 500. HCM is a monogenetic disease and is inherited autosomal dominantly. The disease can manifest itself at any age. Clinical presentation varies from symptom-free to severe dyspnoea and sudden cardiac death from ventricular arrhythmia. Diagnosis is mainly based on echocardiography and on MRI if necessary. In 50-60% of patients, molecular genetic investigation reveals a pathogenic mutation in one of the sarcomeric protein genes. The treatment of HCM depends on the symptoms and the potential presence of an obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract. The risk of sudden cardiac death must be evaluated in order to determine if a prophylactic intracardiac defibrillator is necessary. In view of its mendelian form of inheritance, in the Netherlands practice guidelines have been issued recently regarding genetic counselling of the patient and his or her family and to initiate and coordinate research within the family.