Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY (HCM) is characterized by symmetric or asymmetric hypertrophy of the left and/or right ventricle (table * It is a primary disorder of heart muscle in which the site and extent of the hypertrophic process are important in determining the disease manifestations.' Ventricular (asymmetric) septal hypertrophy is the commonest form of HCM (table Systole is characterized by the presence or absence of an intraventricular pres- sure gradient, which when present may be persistent (gradient at rest), labile (spontaneously variable), or latent (provocable).", 2 Diastole is characterized by ab- normalities of ventricular relaxation3 and passive chamber stiffness.4 Patients with extensive hypertrophy are more likely to manifest the abnormalities of systolic and diastolic function, as well as being more prone to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.'
E.Douglas Wigle (Sun,) studied this question.