Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Experience in Pakistan

Abstract

Material and Methods: Between Jan’79 and July’80, a total of 460 Echoes were performed, out of which 13 patients were diagnosed to have HCM. Clinical history and a complete physical was obtained in all patients. Discussion: It may seem odd that despite the tremendous interest HCM generated in the Cardiology circles all over the world, the disease was not described from Pakistan until 1978(3). The reason for this may have been partly a lack of awareness about this disease entity locally. The dose of propranolol could not be increased beyond 120 mg daily due to concomitant presence of sick sinus syndrome and occurrence of severe sinus bradycardia. This patient was started on oral verapamil and has responded very well to it. No problem with sinus bradyemdia has so far been noted on verapamil (12).