Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a cardiovascular disease that thickens heart muscles. It is a common heart condition that usually causes shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting during or just after exercise. As it is a cardiovascular disease, it needs proper treatment and more attention. According to a recent study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), taking a drug called aficamten can help people with HCM use more oxygen during exercise. Â
This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and was also presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s Heart Failure 2024 meeting. In this study, researchers involved 282 people with obstructive HCM. Researchers then divided them into two groups such as the aficamten group, consisting of 142 individuals who took aficamten drug and the placebo group, consisting of 140 individuals who took placebo pills. Â
Researchers calculated the participants’ oxygen levels during exercise using treadmills or bicycles. When researchers observed these oxygen levels, they found that the individuals in the aficamten group showed a significant increase in their oxygen usage as compared to those who were in the placebo group. This increase in oxygen utilization during exercise can improve patients’ ability to do physical activities. But reduced oxygen utilization can increase the risk of heart failure and other serious complications. Â
Currently, healthcare professionals perform surgical procedures to remove excess heart muscles of people with obstructive HCM. It is a non-drug treatment. In recent years, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug named mavacamten to target the cause of this condition. But it increases the risk of heart failure and it requires intense monitoring for people who use it. So, this new drug named aficamten can effectively help people with obstructive HCM. Â
The result of this study shows aficamten can improve oxygen uptake in people with obstructive HCM as it reduces ventricular outflow tract gradients. Healthcare professionals can prescribe this drug to those who have obstructive HCM. So, it will help people with HCM use more oxygen during exercise. Â
Reference Link:Â
Martin S. Maron et al, Aficamten for Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, New England Journal of Medicine Â
