Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy program in Nashville
Cardiologists at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart are part of a national team of doctors sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for complex heart care. Your heart care team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition where the walls of your heart thicken over time. Thicker walls can make it difficult for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. Some people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don’t have any symptoms, but others may experience:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the ankles, abdomen, feet, and legs
The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy program at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association.
To schedule an appointment with one of our heart specialists, please call 615-222-4265.
Specialty care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
If you are diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend periodic monitoring, medication or surgery based on your symptoms. Your care team may include cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, heart specialists and technicians working together to create a personalized care plan that’s right for you.
Treatment options for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:
- An alcohol septal ablation is used to make the walls of the heart muscle thinner so your heart can pump better
- A mitral valve repair or replacement for damaged or diseased mitral valve to help improve blood flow
- Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to help maintain a normal heart rate and support bloodflow
- Medications to help relieve chest pain, shortness of breath and regulate irregular heartbeat
- Surgery to remove parts of the heart muscle if medications are not effective
How to prepare for your visit
The first step in getting the care you need is to start a conversation with your doctor. When you schedule an appointment, your care team will ask about your family medical history, including heart disease and heart attack. Bring copies or have your referring physician share copies of medical records and test results from any heart testing such as MRIs, cardiac catheterizations or genetic testing.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with one of our heart specialists, call 615-222-HCM5 (4265).
Meet our heart care team
At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, your care is connected. That means your care team is ready to answer your questions, provide consistent follow-up and support you. Your heart specialists work with you and for you to ensure you have all the information to make the right choice for your care.
Dr. Mark Zenker
Specialties: Complex Cardiac Surgery, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Anna Rodonski, PA-C
Specialties: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Clinical trials and research
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart is committed to equitably advancing the health and wellness of the patients and communities we serve through discovery, continuous improvement, and care transformation. Learn more about how researchers at Ascension Saint Thomas are working together to advance patient care through clinical trials.
