Patient experiences with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a conceptual model of symptoms and impacts on quality of life

Effect of Aficamten on Health Status Outcomes in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Results From SEQUOIA-HCM

BACKGROUND

A primary goal in treating obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) is to improve patients' health status: their symptoms, function, and quality of life. The health status benefits of aficamten, a novel cardiac myosin inhibitor, have not been comprehensively described.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the effect of aficamten on patient-reported health status, including symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, physical and social limitations, and quality of life.

METHODS

SEQUOIA-HCM (Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten Compared to Placebo in Adults With Symptomatic oHCM) randomized symptomatic adults with oHCM to 24 weeks of aficamten (n = 142) or placebo (n = 140), followed by a 4-week washout. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and Seattle Angina Questionnaire 7-item (SAQ7) were serially administered. Changes in mean KCCQ-Overall Summary Score (KCCQ-OSS) and SAQ7-Summary Score (SAQ7-SS) from baseline to 24 weeks and following treatment withdrawal were compared using linear regression adjusted for baseline scores and randomization strata. Proportions of patients with clinically important changes were compared.

RESULTS

Among 282 participants, the mean age was 59 ± 13 years, 115 (41%) were female, and 223 (79%) were White. Baseline KCCQ-OSS (69.3 ± 20.1 vs 67.3 ± 18.8) and SAQ7-SS (72.0 ± 21.0 vs 72.4 ± 18.3) were similar between aficamten and placebo groups. Treatment with aficamten, compared with placebo, improved both the mean KCCQ-OSS (13.3 ± 16.3 vs 6.1 ± 12.6; mean difference: 7.9; 95% CI: 4.8-11.0; P < 0.001) and SAQ7-SS (11.6 ± 17.4 vs 3.8 ± 14.4; mean difference: 7.8; 95% CI: 4.7-11.0; P < 0.001) at 24 weeks, with benefits emerging within 4 weeks. No heterogeneity in treatment effect was found across subgroups. A much larger proportion of participants experienced a very large health status improvement (≥20 points) with aficamten vs placebo (KCCQ-OSS: 29.7% vs 12.4%, number needed to treat: 5.8; SAQ7-SS: 31.2% vs 13.9%, number needed to treat: 5.8). Participants' health status worsened significantly more after withdrawal from aficamten than placebo (KCCQ-OSS: -16.2 ± 19.0 vs -3.0 ± 9.6; P < 0.001; SAQ7-SS: -17.4 ± 21.4 vs -2.5 ± 13.3), further confirming a causal effect of aficamten.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with symptomatic oHCM, treatment with aficamten resulted in markedly improved health status, including significant improvement in chest pain-related health status, than placebo. (Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten Compared to Placebo in Adults With Symptomatic oHCM [SEQUOIA-HCM]; NCT05186818).

A Machine Learning Approach to Gene Expression in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart disorder characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle, which increases the risk of cardiac complications. This study aims to analyze the expression of apoptosis-regulating genes (CASP8, CASP9, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2) in blood samples from HCM patients, to better understand their potential as biomarkers for disease progression.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate gene expression in blood samples from 93 HCM patients. The correlation between apoptosis-regulating genes was conducted and clinical parameters were integrated for feature importance and clustering analysis.

RESULTS

Most patients exhibited significant downregulation of CASP8, CASP9, and CASP3. In contrast, BAX expression was elevated in 71 out of 93 patients, while BCL2 was increased in 55 out of 93 patients. Correlation analysis revealed weak negative correlations between the BAX/BCL2 ratio and CASP gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that reduced expression of apoptotic genes may indicate a protective cellular mechanism, which could serve as a biomarker for disease progression. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential for therapeutic modulation of these pathways to improve patient outcomes.

Qualitative interview study of patient-reported symptoms, impacts and treatment goals of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), including obstructive HCM (oHCM), is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy causing lifestyle-limiting symptoms. Data are lacking about patients' perspectives on the daily impact of their symptoms. This qualitative interview study was conducted to better understand patients' experiences with oHCM.

METHODS

In October 2019, telephone interviews were conducted with 20 US adults with oHCM identified by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. Using a semi-structured interview guide, key symptoms, impacts of oHCM and oHCM treatment goals were discussed.

RESULTS

Median age was 54 years (range 29-78), 55% were women, 85% were white and 15% were Hispanic or Latino. Median time since diagnosis was 3 years. Symptoms included shortness of breath, dizziness/light-headedness, heart palpitations/fluttering (all 95%), fatigue (90%) and chest pain/pressure (80%). All participants reported limitations in physical functioning/activities; most reported additional impacts (emotional stress (80%), fear of dying (55%)). Shortness of breath and fatigue were among their most bothersome symptoms; an effective oHCM treatment would need to improve ≥1 of these symptoms (allowing increased physical/social activity).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with oHCM experience a high symptom burden and psychosocial impacts, affecting health status. Improved shortness of breath, fatigue and physical functioning are highly valued by patients and represent important treatment goals.

Genetic therapies for cardiomyopathy: survey of attitudes of the patient community for the CureHeart project

Cardiomyopathies are a group of inherited heart muscle disorders. Expressivity is variable and while sometimes mild, complications can result in sudden cardiac death (SCD) at any age, heart failure and stroke. In around a third of patients a monogenic cause is identifiable, and development of genetic therapies that aim to correct the underlying genetic defect is underway. Here we describe results of a survey designed to understand preliminary views of the patient community about genetic therapies in the context of disease burden. The internet survey was publicized with a bespoke information video via patient support groups in the UK and USA; 634 people responded of whom 96% had a personal and/or family history of cardiomyopathy. Findings show that concern about cardiomyopathy-related issues with a future dimension, such as disease progression, is significantly greater than concern about current issues. A total of 93.6% thought that genetic therapies should be developed for cardiomyopathy. A majority would consider participation in a genetic therapy trial in six scenarios varying by age and clinical situation significantly more in the scenario of an adult with symptomatic disease and evident progression than an asymptomatic adult with SCD risk, or a child. In all scenarios, a majority said that the chance genetic therapy would stop or slow progression, and risk of serious adverse and unintended effects, were important considerations. Qualitative analysis of free-text responses found that concern was often informed by family experience. Patient consideration of genetic therapy is likely to require individualized assessment of the benefits and risks.

Reported Physical Symptoms During Screening Echocardiography Are Not Associated With Presence of Suspected Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be silent and can present with sudden death as the first manifestation of this disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between reported physical symptoms with the presence of suspected HCM.

METHOD

The Anthony Bates Foundation has been performing screening echocardiography across the United States for prevention of sudden death since 2001. A total of 4120 subjects between the ages of 4 and 79 underwent echocardiographic screening. We evaluated any association between various symptoms and suspected HCM defined as any left ventricular wall thickness³ ≥15 mm.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of suspected HCM in the entire study population was 1.1%. The presence of physical symptoms was not associated with HCM (chest pain in 4.3% of participants with HCM vs. 9.9% of the control, P = 0.19, palpitation in 4.3% of participants with HCM vs. 7.3% of the control, P = 0.41, shortness of breath in 6.4% of participant with HCM vs. 11.7% of the control, P = 0.26, lightheadedness in 4.3% of participant with HCM vs. 13.1% of the control, P = 0.07, ankle swelling in 2.1% of participant with HCM vs. 4.0% of the control, P = 0.52, dizziness in 8.5% of participant with HCM vs. 12.2% of the control, P = 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiographic presence of suspected HCM is not associated with a higher prevalence of physical symptoms in the participants undergoing screening echocardiography.

Characterization of mavacamten pharmacokinetics in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to inform dose titration

Mavacamten is a selective, allosteric, reversible cardiac myosin inhibitor that has been developed for the treatment of adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model was developed to characterize mavacamten pharmacokinetics (PK) and the variation in mavacamten exposure associated with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Data from 12 clinical studies (phases 1, 2, and 3) were used. Evaluable participants were those who had at least one mavacamten concentration measurement with associated sampling time and dosing information. The base model included key covariates: body weight, cytochrome P450 isozyme 2C19 (CYP2C19) phenotype with respect to PK, and formulation. The final model was generated using stepwise covariate testing and refinement processes. Simulations were performed to evaluate PK: apparent clearance (CL/F); apparent central and peripheral volumes of distribution; and steady-state average, trough, and maximum concentrations. Overall, 9244 measurable PK observations from 497 participants were included. A two-compartment model structure was selected. After stepwise covariate model building and refinement, additional covariates included were: specified mavacamten dose, omeprazole or esomeprazole administration, health/disease status, estimated glomerular filtration rate, fed status, and sex. The final PopPK model accurately characterized mavacamten concentrations. At any given dose, CYP2C19 phenotype was the most influential covariate on exposure parameters (e.g., median CL/F was reduced by 72% in CYP2C19:poor metabolizers compared with the reference participant [CYP2C19:normal metabolizer]). CL/F was also approximately 16% higher in women than in men but lower in participants receiving concomitant omeprazole or esomeprazole (by 33% and 42%, respectively) than in participants not receiving such concomitant therapy.

An evidence review and gap analysis for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) have a substantial humanistic, clinical, and economic burden due to the array of symptoms and complications associated with the disease. The objective of this review was to identify key evidence gaps related to oHCM, specifically in Europe, North America, and Japan.

METHODS

A targeted literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify English-language studies published between 2012 and 2022 assessing patients with HCM/oHCM in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Canada, and Japan. Outcomes of interest were epidemiology, natural history, pathophysiology, management, and clinical, economic, and humanistic burden. Identified studies were assessed qualitatively to characterize evidence gaps.

RESULTS

Among 2,262 abstracts and 531 full-text articles screened, 178 articles were included from PubMed searches. An additional 16 unique studies were identified via a supplemental Google Scholar search initially conducted in January 2023 and updated in July 2024. Disease natural history, pathophysiology, and management were well documented globally. Significant evidence gaps were noted for the epidemiology, treatment, and burden of oHCM. Although multiple US studies were identified on the clinical, economic, and humanistic burden of oHCM, and one clinical burden study was found for Japan, there was a lack of evidence for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Canada.

CONCLUSIONS

Major evidentiary gaps exist for the epidemiology, treatment, and burden of oHCM. Future research should address these gaps, with a specific focus on generating real-world evidence for Canada and European countries that will support the evaluation of emerging therapies in these regions.

Exploring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Relationship to Physical Activity

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a burdensome condition that inflicts both physical and psychological impairment on those with the disease, negatively impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Given the abundance of evidence suggesting a role of physical activity (PA) in modulating HRQoL in healthy populations of children, we sought to determine the relationship between HRQoL and PA in children diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A multicenter prospective observational cohort study was conducted, with patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy aged 10 to 19 years being provided a wrist-worn activity tracker (Fitbit Charge HR) to wear for 14 days. Patients self-reported on Pediatric Quality of Life 4.0 quality of life inventory items, which were associated with PA metrics following covariate adjustment using linear regression. A total of 56 participants were recruited to the study. The median age at enrollment was 15.5 years (interquartile range, 13.8-16.8), and 16 out of 56 (29%) of the cohort were girls. The cohort reported decreased metrics of physical, psychosocial, and total summary scores compared with health reference populations, with scores comparable with that of published populations with chronic disease. Increased physical HRQoL scores were significantly associated with increased daily steps taken, distance traveled, and flights of stairs climbed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that impaired PA correlates with reduced HRQoL in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, suggesting PA may partially mediate HRQoL in this population.

Recent advancements and applications of deep learning in heart failure: Α systematic review

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF), a global health challenge, requires innovative diagnostic and management approaches. The rapid evolution of deep learning (DL) in healthcare necessitates a comprehensive review to evaluate these developments and their potential to enhance HF evaluation, aligning clinical practices with technological advancements.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to systematically explore the contributions of DL technologies in the assessment of HF, focusing on their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment strategies, and address the impact of comorbidities.

METHODS

A thorough literature search was conducted across four major electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and IEEE Xplore, yielding 137 articles that were subsequently categorized into five primary application areas: cardiovascular disease (CVD) classification, HF detection, image analysis, risk assessment, and other clinical analyses. The selection criteria focused on studies utilizing DL algorithms for HF assessment, not limited to HF detection but extending to any attempt in analyzing and interpreting HF-related data.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a notable emphasis on CVD classification and HF detection, with DL algorithms showing significant promise in distinguishing between affected individuals and healthy subjects. Furthermore, the review highlights DL's capacity to identify underlying cardiomyopathies and other comorbidities, underscoring its utility in refining diagnostic processes and tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs.

CONCLUSIONS

This review establishes DL as a key innovation in HF management, highlighting its role in advancing diagnostic accuracy and personalized care. The insights provided advocate for the integration of DL in clinical settings and suggest directions for future research to enhance patient outcomes in HF care.

The Majority of Participants With Suspected Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Documented During Screening Echocardiography Have a Normal Electrocardiogram

BACKGROUND

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) usually have abnormal electrocardiograms consistent with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings (LVH, T wave inversion, left bundle branch block, and left atrial enlargement) in participants with suspected HCM detected during screening echocardiography.

METHOD

The Anthony Bates Foundation has been performing screening echocardiography across the United States for the prevention of sudden death since 2001. A total of 682 subjects between the ages of 8 and 71 underwent echocardiographic screening together with ECG documentation. We evaluated the prevalence of abnormal ECG in participants with suspected HCM defined as any left ventricular wall thickness ≥15 mm.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LVH and T wave inversion were higher in HCM subjects as expected [HCM occurred in 23.5% (4/17) vs. 5.6% (37/665), P = 0.002, T wave inversion occurred in 17.6% (3/17) vs. 4.1% (27/664), P = 0.007]. However, despite adding these 2 common ECG abnormalities in this population, the presence of detected abnormal ECG remained less than 25% (23.5% of HCM subjects had LVH or T wave inversion on ECG vs. 8.7% of control, P = 0.036). Left bundle branch block or abnormal left atrium on ECG were not found in any participants with suspected HCM.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of abnormal ECG in the participants with suspected HCM detected during screening echocardiography is less than 25%. This suggests that ECG alone is not a sensitive marker for the detection of HCM.

Effect of Mavacamten in Women Compared With Men With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Insights From EXPLORER-HCM

BACKGROUND

Compared with men, women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have a higher incidence of heart failure and worse outcomes. We investigated baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and response to mavacamten among women compared with men in the EXPLORER-HCM study (Clinical Study to Evaluate Mavacamten [MYK-461] in Adults With Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy).

METHODS

A prespecified post hoc analysis of sex from the blinded, randomized EXPLORER-HCM trial of mavacamten versus placebo in symptomatic patients with obstructive HCM was performed. Baseline characteristics were compared with t tests for continuous variables (expressed as mean values) and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Prespecified primary, secondary, and exploratory end points and echocardiographic measurements from baseline to end of treatment (week 30) were analyzed with ANCOVA for continuous end points and a generalized linear model with binomial distribution for binary end points, with adjustment for each outcome's baseline value, New York Heart Association class, β-blocker use, and ergometer type.

RESULTS

At baseline, women (n=102) were older (62 years versus 56 years; P<0.0001), had lower peak oxygen consumption (16.7 mL·kg-1·min-1 versus 21.3 mL·kg-1·min-1; P<0.0001), were more likely to be assigned New York Heart Association class III (42% versus 17%; P<0.0001), had worse health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Clinical Summary Score 64 versus 75; P<0.0001), and had higher baseline plasma NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels (1704 ng/L versus 990 ng/L; P=0.004) than men (n=149). After 30 weeks of mavacamten treatment, similar improvements were observed in women and men in the primary composite end point (percentage difference on mavacamten versus placebo, 22% versus 19%, respectively; P=0.759) and in the secondary end points of change in postexercise left ventricular outflow tract gradient (-42.4 mm Hg versus -33.6 mm Hg; P=0.348), change in peak oxygen consumption (1.2 mL·kg-1·min-1 versus 1.6 mL·kg-1·min-1; P=0.633), and percentage achieving ≥1 New York Heart Association class improvement (41% versus 28%; P=0.254). However, women had greater improvement in health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Clinical Summary Score 14.8 versus 6.1; P=0.026) and in the exploratory end point of NT-proBNP levels (-1322 ng/L versus -649 ng/L; P=0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Although at baseline women with symptomatic obstructive HCM enrolled in EXPLORER-HCM were older and had worse heart failure and health status than men, treatment with mavacamten resulted in similar improvements in the primary and most secondary EXPLORER-HCM end points and greater improvements in health status and NT-proBNP.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03470545.

The prognostic value of peak oxygen uptake in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a literature review to inform economic model development

AIMS

Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) experience significant clinical burden which is associated with a high economic burden. Peak oxygen uptake (pVO2), measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, is used to quantify functional capacity, and has been studied as a primary endpoint in recent clinical trials. This study aimed to gather evidence to consolidate the prognostic value of pVO2 in oHCM and to assess whether it is feasible to predict health outcomes in an economic model based on changes in pVO2.

METHODS

A targeted literature review was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Embase databases to identify evidence on the prognostic value of pVO2 as a surrogate health outcome to support future oHCM economic model development. Following screening, study characteristics, population characteristics, and pVO2 prognostic association data were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 4,687 studies were identified. In total, 3,531 and 538 studies underwent title/abstract and full-text screening, respectively, of which 151 were included and nine of these were in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); only three studies focused on oHCM. The nine HCM studies consisted of one systematic literature review and eight primary studies reporting on 27 potentially predictive relationships from a pVO2-based metric with clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, sudden cardiac death, transplant, paroxysmal, and permanent atrial fibrillation. pVO2 was described as a predictor of single and composite endpoints, in three and six studies, respectively, with one study reporting on both.

LIMITATIONS

This study primarily uses systemic literature review methods but does not qualify as one due to not entailing parallel reviewers during title-abstract and full-text stages of review.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest pVO2 is predictive of multiple health outcomes, providing a rationale to use pVO2 in the development of an economic model.

Patient experiences of implantable cardiac monitoring in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: an exploratory study

AIMS

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited heart disease. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are increasingly used in this population to provide closer monitoring, with the potential for notification systems. However, little is known regarding the psychological impact this information may have on patients. The Abbott Confirm Rx™ ICM has the capability of connecting to the patient's smartphone to enable active participation in their care, as well as two-way communication between the patient and their care providers. This study aimed to explore individuals' experiences of having a smartphone-enabled ICM to monitor for arrhythmias in HCM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, the interview guide was modified based on emerging themes throughout the study. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to categorize interview data into codes and overacting themes, with each interview independently coded by two study members. Analysis revealed three key themes: (i) psychological impact, (ii) educational needs, and (iii) technology expectations. Participants reported that receiving feedback from ICM transmissions resulted in improved symptom clarity, providing reassurance, and aiding implantable cardioverter defibrillator decision-making. Some participants reported uncertainty regarding when to send manual transmissions. Lastly, participants reported the app interface did not meet expectations with regard to the amount of data available for patients.

CONCLUSION

Overall, utilizing a smartphone app to facilitate two-way communication of ICM transmissions was well accepted. Future directions include addressing gaps in educational needs and improvements in the patient interface with increased access to data.

Mavacamten: a first-in-class myosin inhibitor for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Mavacamten is a first-in-class, targeted, cardiac-specific myosin inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with symptomatic New York Heart Association Classes II and III obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). Mavacamten was developed to target the hyper-contractile phenotype, which plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of the disease. In Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, mavacamten was well tolerated, reduced left ventricular outflow tract gradients, improved exercise capacity and symptoms, and was associated with improvements in other clinically relevant parameters, such as patient-reported outcomes and circulating biomarkers. In addition, treatment with mavacamten was associated with evidence of favourable cardiac remodelling in multi-modality imaging studies. Mavacamten substantially reduced guideline eligibility for septal reduction therapy candidates with oHCM and drug-refractory symptoms. In this article, the available efficacy and safety data from completed and ongoing clinical studies of mavacamten in patients with symptomatic oHCM are reviewed. Longer term extension studies may help address questions related to the positioning of mavacamten in current oHCM management algorithms, interactions with background therapy, as well as the potential for disease modification beyond symptomatic relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Stigma manifestations in cardiomyopathy care impact outcomes for black patients: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Inequities in clinical care may contribute to racial disparities observed in studies of heart disease morbidity and cardiogenetic testing outcomes. There is a lack of research aimed at understanding the complexity of those inequities, but stigma likely contributes. This qualitative exploratory study helps close that gap in the literature by describing intersectional stigma manifestations perceived by the Black cardiomyopathy patient population at one academic medical center.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 Black cardiomyopathy patients. Interviews aimed to elicit patients' experiences with discrimination related to diagnosis, symptoms, genetic testing, knowledge of genetic results, genetic counseling, providers' actions, and providers' communication. The interview guide was informed by The Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. Data were also collected about participant demographics, type of cardiomyopathy, age of diagnosis, documentation of relevant family history, and completion of genetic counseling and/or genetic testing.

RESULTS

More than half of participants reported intersectional stigma manifestations related to their race, age, and/or weight while receiving care from cardiologists, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, or clinical support staff. Stigma manifestations included physical roughness during patient care, withholding diagnostically-relevant information from the patient, impersonal care, coercion, and use of offensive stereotyped language by providers. These stigma manifestations impacted access to care, uptake of genetic testing, timeline to diagnosis, patient emotion, patient-provider trust, and adherence to medical recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides nuanced qualitative descriptions of stigma manifestations that affect patient and clinical outcomes in cardiology care and genetic services in one medical center in the Southeastern United States. The results of this study suggest that provider bias and stigma manifestations have an adverse effect on cardiogenetic and clinical outcomes among Black cardiomyopathy patients. Clinical interventions are suggested to assist health professionals in providing culturally-competent and respectful care. These results help inform patient-provider communication, clinical policies, and evidence-based practice in cardiology care and genetics. Continued study of this topic across more institutions and with a larger sample size is needed to confirm the generalizability of the conclusions.

Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Normal Genetic Investigations Have Few Affected Relatives

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend that relatives of index patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are offered clinical investigations to identify individuals at risk of adverse disease complications and sudden cardiac death. However, the value of family screening in relatives of index patients with a normal genetic investigation of recognized HCM genes is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to perform family screening among relatives of HCM index patients with a normal genetic investigation to establish the frequency of familial disease and the clinical characteristics of affected individuals.

METHODS

Clinical and genetic investigations were performed in consecutive and unrelated HCM index patients. Relatives of index patients who did not carry pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in recognized HCM genes were invited for clinical investigations.

RESULTS

In total, 60% (270 of 453) of HCM index patients had a normal genetic investigation. A total of 80% of their relatives (751 of 938, median age 44 years) participated in the study. Of these, 5% (34 of 751) were diagnosed with HCM at baseline, whereas 0.3% (2 of 717 [751-34]) developed the condition during 5 years of follow-up. Their median age at diagnosis was 57 years (IQR: 51-70 years). Two-thirds (22 of 36) were diagnosed following family screening, whereas one-third (14 of 36) had been diagnosed previously because of cardiac symptoms, a murmur, or an abnormal electrocardiogram. None of the affected relatives experienced adverse disease complications. The risk of SCD was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic family screening of index patients with HCM and normal genetic investigations was associated with a low frequency of affected relatives who appeared to have a favorable prognosis.

Patient-reported outcomes in clinical studies of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in registered clinical studies of participants with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

BACKGROUND

Therapy for HCM is primarily targeted toward alleviation of symptoms and improvement in function and quality of life. Yet, the contemporary landscape of PROs in HCM clinical research has not been investigated.

METHODS

ClinicalTrials.gov was queried to identify clinical studies of HCM that reported PROs as outcome measures. All studies of HCM as the disease condition were included, and PROs were identified using specific search terms in the Outcome Measures field. Study characteristics were collected and compared between those that did versus did not report PROs.

RESULTS

From November 1987 to February 2022, 181 studies including participants with HCM were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Of these, 35 (19%) included PROs as outcome measures. Studies reporting PROs were more likely to be designated as interventional (85.7% vs. 46.6%; p < 0.001) and to involve randomization (65.7% vs. 24.7%; p = 0.003) compared with those that did not report PROs. Prior to 2007, no clinical studies that reported PROs were registered in ClinicalTrials.gov; however, PRO reporting has increased over the last 15 years. Of the 66 PRO tools or domains included as outcome measures, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire was the most often used.

CONCLUSIONS

Only approximately one in five registered clinical studies of participants with HCM report PROs. As medical, percutaneous, and surgical therapies for HCM continue to advance, HCM-specific PRO tools that assess the impacts of these new treatments on meaningful patient-related endpoints are urgently needed.

Clinical Outcomes, Resource Utilization, and Treatment Over the Disease Course of Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the United States

We sought to describe the clinical outcomes, resource utilization, and treatment options for patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) over the course of their disease. Adults with obstructive HCM who were symptomatic were identified from the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare supplemental database (January 2009 to March 2019). The index date was the initial obstructive HCM diagnosis date. Patients were required to have ≥12-month continuous eligibility before and after the index date. Incidence rates (IRs) and cumulative risk of cardiovascular events, healthcare resource utilization, and pharmacotherapy were assessed after index and compared with matched controls. Among 4,617 eligible patients with obstructive HCM, 2,917 (63.2%, mean age 60, 47.2% women) were symptomatic at index date. The most common cardiovascular events were atrial fibrillation/flutter (IR:1.421 per person-year [PPY], heart failure (IR: 0.895 PPY), and dyspnea (IR:0.797 PPY). Patients incurred higher resource use with frequent tests and monitoring, hospitalizations (0.454 PPY), and emergency room visits (0.611 PPY). The use of pharmacotherapy increased from 61.2% in the 6-month preindex period to 83.9% in the 6-month postindex period and remained stable after diagnosis. These events ranged from 3 to over 60-fold higher compared with controls, with the largest difference observed in arrhythmic events. The majority of patients were symptomatic at the time of obstructive HCM diagnosis, resulting in significantly increased cardiovascular complications and frequent disease monitoring after diagnosis versus controls. In conclusion, healthcare resource utilization was substantial, and these findings suggest a higher clinical and economic burden over the disease course among patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM, despite current treatment.

Effects of Mavacamten on Measures of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Beyond Peak Oxygen Consumption: A Secondary Analysis of the EXPLORER-HCM Randomized Trial

Importance

Mavacamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, improved peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) in patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the EXPLORER-HCM study. However, the full extent of mavacamten's effects on exercise performance remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate the effect of mavacamten on exercise physiology using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Exploratory analyses of the data from the EXPLORER-HCM study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial that was conducted in 68 cardiovascular centers in 13 countries. In total, 251 patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM were enrolled.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to mavacamten or placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The following prespecified exploratory cardiovascular and performance parameters were assessed with a standardized treadmill or bicycle ergometer test protocol at baseline and week 30: carbon dioxide output (VCO2), minute ventilation (VE), peak VE/VCO2 ratio, ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope), peak respiratory exchange ratio (RER), peak circulatory power, ventilatory power, ventilatory threshold, peak metabolic equivalents (METs), peak exercise time, partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), and VO2/workload slope.

Results

Two hundred fifty-one patients were enrolled. The mean (SD) age was 58.5 (11.9) years and 59% of patients were male. There were significant improvements with mavacamten vs placebo in the following peak-exercise CPET parameters: peak VE/VCO2 ratio (least squares [LS] mean difference, -2.2; 95% CI, -3.05 to -1.26; P < .001), peak METs (LS mean difference, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.17-0.60; P < .001), peak circulatory power (LS mean difference, 372.9 mL/kg/min × mm Hg; 95% CI, 153.12-592.61; P = .001), and peak PETCO2 (LS mean difference, 2.0 mm Hg; 95% CI, 1.12-2.79; P < .001). Mavacamten also improved peak exercise time compared with placebo (LS mean difference, 0.7 minutes; 95% CI, 0.13-1.24; P = .02). There was a significant improvement in nonpeak-exercise CPET parameters, such as VE/VCO2 slope (LS mean difference, -2.6; 95% CI, -3.58 to -1.52; P < .001) and ventilatory power (LS mean difference, 0.6 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90; P < .001) favoring mavacamten vs placebo.

Conclusions and Relevance

Mavacamten improved a range of CPET parameters beyond pVO2, indicating consistent and broad benefits on maximal exercise capacity. Although improvements in peak-exercise CPET parameters are clinically meaningful, the favorable effects of mavacamten on submaximal exertional tolerance provide further insights into the beneficial impact of mavacamten in patients with obstructive HCM.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03470545.

Risk of incident mental disorders in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a nationwide propensity-matched study

AIMS

We sought to determine the risk of mental disorders in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared with those without HCM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study using nationwide population-based data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Overall, 4046 patients with HCM and 12138 matched individuals were followed up until the first diagnosis of mental disorders or the end of the follow up. The primary outcome was a composite of incident mood, anxiety, stress-related, or somatoform disorders. Secondary outcomes included two components of the primary outcome (i.e. mood disorders and anxiety/stress-related/somatoform disorders). During a median follow-up period of 4.1 years, the incidence rate of the primary outcome was 54.4 and 31.5/1000 person-years among the HCM and control groups, respectively, resulting in a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.719 (95% confidence interval: 1.589-1.860). Within the first month after HCM diagnosis, the HR for the primary outcome was 3.074 (2.096-4.508). Beyond 1 month, the HRs decreased, ranging from 2.281 (1.952-2.665) during 1-12 months, to 2.087 (1.831-2.380) during 12-36 months and 1.258 (1.090-1.452) after 36 months of follow up. Similar results were observed for the secondary outcomes. In sensitivity analysis, the risk of the specific categories of mental disorders, including single or recurrent depressive episodes and anxiety disorders, was also higher in patients with HCM than matched controls.

CONCLUSION

HCM was significantly associated with the risk of incident mental disorders, particularly within 1 year after HCM diagnosis, underscoring the importance of screening mental health problems, including mood and anxiety disorders, in patients with HCM.

New Era: Mavacamten for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy results from asymmetric septal hypertrophy, which eventually obstructs the outflow of the left ventricle. Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is linked to mutations in genes that encode for sarcomere proteins, including actin, β-myosin heavy chain, titin, and troponin. The mutations lead to structural abnormalities in myocytes and myofibrils, causing conduction irregularities and abnormal force generation. Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease that worsens over time, and patients become at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. Up until recently, there were no disease- specific medications for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, the US Food and Drug Administration approved mavacamten on April 28, 2022, for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (New York Heart Association class II to III) in adults to improve functional capacity and symptoms. Its approval was based on data from EXPLORER- HCM and EXPLORER-LTE (NCT03723655). Mavacamten is a novel, first-in-class, orally active, allosteric inhibitor of cardiac myosin ATPase, which decreases the formation of actin- myosin cross-bridges, and thus, it reduces myocardial contractility, and it improves myocardial energetics. It represents a paradigm-shifting pharmacological treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this review, we describe its chemical and mechanistic aspects as well as its pharmacokinetics, adverse effects and warnings, potential drug-drug interactions, and contraindications.

Concerns with Patient Reported Outcome Measurement and Value Claims for Therapy Response: The Case of Mavacamten and Symptomatic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (SHCM)

Fundamental measurement is the basis for a rational assessment of patient reported outcome (PRO) value claims; both as response to therapy and the submission of credible and evaluable value claims to formulary committees and other health system decision makers. It is important to emphasize the importance of creating interval and ratio scales as opposed to nominal and ordinal scales to support value claims; a recognition that follows from acceptance of conjoint simultaneous measurement and the contribution of Rasch or modern measurement theory (RMT). Failure to appreciate the role of RMT has led thousands of researchers simply to apply numerals to events, inappropriately applying the techniques of classical statistical analysis, with the result that all that is produced are ordinal PRO scores. Instead, we should be aiming for interval and ratio scores based on a comprehensible latent trait and the application of the Rasch model. The purpose of this brief commentary is to review the measurement properties of PRO value claims for mavacamten (Camzyos; Bristol Myers Squibb) in symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (SHCM) and to judge whether they have any validity when judged against the requirements of modern measurement theory. The assessment includes both the recent evidence report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) for mavacamten as well as pivotal randomized trial (RCT) value claims that combine clinical endpoints with PROs that fail the standards of fundamental evidence. These include the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification and the EuroQuol EQ-5D-5L multiattribute health related quality of life (HRQoL) preference instrument. The review concludes that apart from purely clinical claims based on the various pivotal trials, there are no PRO claims for mavacamten in SHCM that meet the required measurement standards.

Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Exercise Pitfalls, Role of Connexin-43, and Moving beyond Antiarrhythmics

Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), a Mendelian disorder that can affect both left and right ventricles, is most often associated with pathogenic desmosomal variants that can lead to fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium, a pathological hallmark of this disease. Current therapies are aimed to prevent the worsening of disease phenotypes and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Despite the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) there is no present therapy that would mitigate the loss in electrical signal and propagation by these fibrofatty barriers. Recent studies have shown the influence of forced vs. voluntary exercise in a variety of healthy and diseased mice; more specifically, that exercised mice show increased Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression levels. Fascinatingly, increased Cx43 expression ameliorated the abnormal electrical signal conduction in the myocardium of diseased mice. These findings point to a major translational pitfall in current therapeutics for ACM patients, who are advised to completely cease exercising and already demonstrate reduced Cx43 levels at the myocyte intercalated disc. Considering cardiac dysfunction in ACM arises from the loss of cardiomyocytes and electrical signal conduction abnormalities, an increase in Cx43 expression-promoted by low to moderate intensity exercise and/or gene therapy-could very well improve cardiac function in ACM patients.

Development of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptom Questionnaire (HCMSQ): A New Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Instrument

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument specifically designed to evaluate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

OBJECTIVE

We present the development and psychometric validation of a novel PRO measure, the HCM Symptom Questionnaire version 1.0 (HCMSQv1.0).

METHODS

Cognitive debriefing interviews and a card-sorting task were conducted in 33 patients with HCM to support development of the HCMSQv1.0, showing the scale to be interpretable and relevant to patients' experiences. Baseline blinded data from two trials (EXPLORER-HCM and MAVERICK-HCM) were pooled (N = 299) to develop the scoring algorithm of HCMSQv1.0. Measurement properties were examined, followed by a meaningful-change analysis to interpret scores. Rasch modeling, mixed-model repeated measures, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and missing-data simulation analysis informed the number of domains and the items in each domain.

RESULTS

The scoring algorithm for HCMSQv1.0 consists of four domains: shortness of breath, tiredness, cardiovascular symptoms, and syncope; plus a total score, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Item characteristics, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness were acceptable. A clinically meaningful responder definition of 1-2 points on the HCMSQv1.0 score for shortness of breath and total score, and approximately 1 point on the tiredness and cardiovascular symptom scores, was calculated based on distribution- and anchor-based methods.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the HCMSQv1.0 as a fit-for-purpose PRO instrument for assessing treatment benefit in patients with HCM. Studies in larger patient populations are ongoing to confirm responder definition and scoring approaches encompassing key HCM symptoms.

Longitudinal Psychometric Analysis of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptom Questionnaire (HCMSQ) Using Outcomes from the Phase III EXPLORER-HCM Trial

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) symptoms include shortness of breath (SOB), fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. The HCM Symptom Questionnaire (HCMSQ), the only patient-reported outcome instrument designed to specifically measure HCM symptoms, yields four domain scores (SOB, tiredness, cardiovascular symptoms, syncope) and a total score. We evaluated the longitudinal psychometric properties of the HCMSQ using baseline to week 30 data from the phase III EXPLORER-HCM trial (NCT03470545).

METHODS

Test-retest reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation of patients with stable Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS) responses. Sensitivity to change was assessed via Spearman correlations with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23) and the EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), and via one-way ANOVA comparing change groups defined on clinical (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, left ventricular outflow tract [LVOT] gradient, peak oxygen consumption [pVO2]) and patient-reported (PGIS, PGIC) variables. Meaningful change thresholds were established via PGIC/PGIS.

RESULTS

All HCMSQ scores showed strong evidence of test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.70). Sensitivity to change was demonstrated with mostly strong/moderate correlations with KCCQ-23 and EQ VAS, and significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in PGIS, PGIC, pVO2, and NYHA (except tiredness domain) change categories, but not LVOT gradient. Clinically meaningful score reductions were ≥1 point for tiredness and cardiovascular symptoms domains, ≥ 2.5 points for SOB domain, and ≥2 points for total score.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that HCMSQ is fit for purpose in capturing HCM symptoms and may provide evidence of treatment benefit from the patients' perspectives.

Mavacamten for treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (EXPLORER-HCM): health status analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Improving symptoms is a primary treatment goal in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Currently available pharmacological options for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are not disease-specific and are often inadequate or poorly tolerated. We aimed to assess the effect of mavacamten, a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, on patients' health status-ie, symptoms, physical and social function, and quality of life.

METHODS

We did a health status analysis of EXPLORER-HCM, a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The study took place at 68 clinical cardiovascular centres in 13 countries. Adult patients (≥18 years) with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (gradient ≥50 mm Hg and New York Heart Association class II-III) were randomly assigned (1:1) to mavacamten or placebo for 30 weeks, followed by an 8-week washout period. Both patients and staff were masked to study treatment. The primary outcome for this secondary analysis was the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), a well validated disease-specific measure of patients' health status. It was administered at baseline and weeks 6, 12, 18, 30 (end of treatment), and 38 (end of study). Changes from baseline to week 30 in KCCQ overall summary (OS) score and all subscales were analysed using mixed model repeated measures. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03470545.

FINDINGS

Between May 30, 2018, and July 12, 2019, 429 adults were assessed for eligibility, of whom 251 (59%) were enrolled and randomly assigned. Of 123 patients randomly assigned to mavacamten, 92 (75%) completed the KCCQ at baseline and week 30 and of the 128 patients randomly assigned to placebo 88 (69%) completed the KCCQ at baseline and week 30. At 30 weeks, the change in KCCQ-OS score was greater with mavacamten than placebo (mean score 14·9 [SD 15·8] vs 5·4 [13·7]; difference +9·1 [95% CI 5·5-12·8]; p<0·0001), with similar benefits across all KCCQ subscales. The proportion of patients with a very large change (KCCQ-OS ≥20 points) was 36% (33 of 92) in the mavacamten group versus 15% (13 of 88) in the placebo group, with an estimated absolute difference of 21% (95% CI 8·8-33·4) and number needed to treat of five (95% CI 3-11). These gains returned to baseline after treatment was stopped.

INTERPRETATION

Mavacamten markedly improved the health status of patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared with placebo, with a low number needed to treat for marked improvement. Given that the primary goals of treatment are to improve symptoms, physical and social function, and quality of life, mavacamten represents a new potential strategy for achieving these goals.

FUNDING

MyoKardia, a Bristol Myers Squibb company.