April 27, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology
New Perspectives on the Prevalence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Why the study?
The prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the general population has not been completely resolved, despite long-standing estimates of about 1 in 500.
Population
General population
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
May support heightened HCM suspicion in practice; leaves open precise prevalence pending dedicated contemporary studies.
Key Points
- To reassess the prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the general population using recent advances in cardiovascular medicine.
- Analyzed genetic testing data and population genetic studies
- Reviewed contemporary diagnostic imaging techniques
- Evaluated recognition of gene-positive-phenotype-negative individuals at risk for HCM
- Suggest HCM prevalence is higher than the previously estimated 1 in 500
- Highlight the importance of increased recognition in clinical settings to facilitate timely diagnoses
- Promote improved treatment options for more patients at risk for HCM
Structured PICO
P
Population
General population
O
Outcome
Prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Advances in genetic testing and imaging suggest that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is more prevalent than the historically accepted rate of 1 in 500.
Cite This Study
Semsarian et al. (2015) studied this question.