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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A promising new treatment (Mavacamten / Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors)

HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is a disease caused by mutations in your genes which control the structure of your heart muscle proteins. It causes abnormal growth of these cells, thickening the walls of the heart. When these walls thicken, the functioning of your heart can be impaired due to the change in its structure. Depending on case to case, some people can develop obstruction to blood flow from their left ventricle, and some may experience diastolic dysfunction (when your heart cannot relax properly when it has to be filled with blood to pump out) resulting in a range of uncomfortable and painful symptoms. These symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a higher risk of arrhythmias.

A targeted cardiac myosin inhibitor, like Mavacamten, is a new medication which has been developed to treat HCM. It works by specifically degenerating the myosin protein in your heart muscles (the protein involved in contraction of your heart muscles). When people have HCM, the tell-tale symptom is overactive myosin proteins in your heart muscles; using myosin inhibitors can prevent the excessive contraction and thickening of the heart muscle. This leads to improvements in the functioning of your heart, reduced symptoms, and overall higher quality of life for HCM patients.

Common side effects of HCM:

·        Cardiac arrhythmia: Ironically, sometimes cardiac myosin inhibitors can cause the symptom they are treating; although this is when it is consumed in high doses. These arrhythmias can lead to irregular heart rhythms, as the word states.

·        Headache: Changes in the blood flow due to the weaking of the heart muscles can sometimes lead to blood vessel dilation and constriction; these changes in pressure can potentially trigger headaches in some individuals.

·        Gastrointestinal issues: Medications that weaken muscles can sometimes irritate the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and diarrhea. Along with that, weakened muscles due to the inhibitor can also reduce gut motility.

·        Muscle weakness/pain: Medications can also affect the muscle metabolism and the way your muscles use energy, leading to discomfort and pain in some individuals.

These medicines are administered in the form of tablets or capsules. The frequency/dosage is dependent on your healthcare administrator, and the individual patient and their health. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and guide you on how to consume it.

In conclusion, HCM may be treatable with medicines other than those that have been used to treat generic heart disease and can be specifically targeted with the use of myosin inhibitors. However, as with any medicine, even the ones with promising clinical trials, individuals should consider the benefits and risks when deciding to consume them.

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