Exercise capacity predictors in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients assessed by multi-modality imaging

Introduction In HCM, with progression of disease, there is often a reduction in exercise capacity, likely due to diastolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation (MR) and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). However, there is considerable variation in exercise capacity despite similar diastolic dysfunction, LVOTO and MR. Aortic stiffness could be a possible contributor in HCM pathophysiology. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), is a marker of aortic stiffness and is abnormal in HCM vs. controls.