Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Feline Populations

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent myocardial disease affecting domestic cats worldwide. Characterised by an unexplained thickening of the left ventricular myocardium, HCM impairs diastolic filling and may lead to congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism and sudden death. Presentation varies from subclinical cases, detected only by imaging or biomarkers, to cats exhibiting respiratory distress, lethargy or limb paralysis. Echocardiography remains the diagnostic gold standard, revealing asymmetric or concentric hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement and, occasionally, dynamic outflow tract obstruction. Histopathological features include myofibre disarray, interstitial fibrosis and small-vessel disease. Genetic studies have identified breed-associated variants, notably in Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats, but the majority of cases are idiopathic. Management is tailored to disease stage and may involve diuretics, beta-blockers, antithrombotic agents and cautious use of inotropes. Population studies underline the global burden of preclinical HCM and underscore the need for early detection strategies, refined staging systems and evidence-based therapies to improve long-term outcomes.

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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Feline Populations publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in feline populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): A disease characterised by thickening of the ventricular wall without an identifiable cause, leading to impaired relaxation and filling.

Diastolic dysfunction: Impaired ventricular relaxation and filling during diastole, often resulting from myocardial stiffening.

Echocardiography: A non-invasive imaging technique using ultrasound to visualise cardiac structures, measure wall thickness and assess chamber function.

Arterial thromboembolism (ATE): Obstruction of arterial blood flow by a blood clot that has travelled from the heart, frequently affecting the limbs in cats with cardiac disease.

References

1. Comparative cardiac macroscopic and microscopic study in cats with hyperthyroidism vs. cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Veterinary Quarterly (2023).
2. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2020).
3. International collaborative study to assess cardiovascular risk and evaluate long‐term health in cats with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and apparently healthy cats: The REVEAL Study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2018).
4. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in young Maine Coon cats caused by the p.A31P cMyBP-C mutation - the clinical significance of having the mutation. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica (2011).