Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms & Treatmen

Hyperrophic cardiomyopathy leads to abnormal muscle fiber function and disrupted cellular signaling, resulting in hypertrophy and disarray of cardiac muscle cells. This condition is characterized by thickening of the left ventricular wall or interventricular septum.

Causes of Myocardial Hypertrophy:

Following myocardial hypertrophy, the likelihood of myocardial stiffness increases. Additionally, early ventricular effective relaxation may become slower and incomplete. Particularly during myocardial ischemia and abnormal calcium ion flow, the ventricular compliance decreases, further diminishing the heart's ability to relax and expand.

Increased stiffness in the ventricles can lead to reduced ventricular filling, increased diastolic pressure, and a decrease in left ventricular volume. Genetic predispositions include breeds like the Cocker Spaniel, British Shorthair, and American Shorthair.

Symptoms:

Hyperrophic cardiomyopathy can occur in cats of any age, but it is more common in middleaged male cats. During routine examinations, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and gallops may be heard. Cats with symptoms may exhibit rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Breeds with a genetic predisposition include the Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Persian cats.

Diagnostic Methods:

Xray imaging can reveal the outline of the cat's heart and sometimes the characteristic "heartshaped" appearance of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography is the gold standard for diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as it can detect abnormalities in left ventricular contraction and relaxation.