Heart failure specialists and the advanced practice providers who support them are often an important component of the multidisciplinary team management of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). The evolution of severe HF (NYHA functional class III or IV) occurs in at least 10–20% of patients with oHCM. While these symptoms can occur at any age, they are most frequently seen in middle-aged adults. Women tend to have more severe symptoms of HF occurring later in life, and like many cardiovascular syndromes, oHCM is often underrecognized in women. The risk of HF is augmented by the presence and degree of outflow tract obstruction. Further risk factors of HF include the presence of AF and diastolic dysfunction, though noninvasive measures do not reliably predict LV filling pressures in HCM, further complicating an early diagnosis. HF related to oHCM is unlikely to respond satisfactorily to treatment that does not target the pathophysiology of HCM.

Heart failure specialists should have a comprehensive understanding of oHCM—a complex cardiac condition—to ensure optimal management and improve patient outcomes. The global experts in this program will review the key elements of recognition, confirmation, and management of oHCM in the setting of HF.