Personalized Care For Prevalent Hereditary Cardiac Conditions

The first targeted medication for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is now available to adults with the most common genetic heart condition in Australia under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The treatment for obstructive heart failure with CAMZYOS (mavacamten) focuses on the underlying cause of the condition, which is abnormal, gradual thickening of the left ventricle, which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

The condition known as obstructive heart failure (OHCM) is brought on by the left ventricle’s walls thickening to such an extent that they block blood flow, stiffening the heart and making it more difficult for it to beat.

More than 60,000 Australians, or one in 400, have been diagnosed with HCM, according to recent research. Many of these cases are undertreated and go misdiagnosed.

In addition to heart failure and early death in persons of all ages, the condition may produce dizziness, loss of consciousness, chest pain, shortness of breath with physical exertion, and irregular heart rhythms.

Cardiologist Dr. Andris Ellims, Director of Victoria Heart, The Alfred Hospital, and Director of the HCM Clinic in Melbourne, states that there is an unmet demand for non-invasive therapy alternatives for obstructive heart failure that address the underlying cause of the illness.

“We need more treatment options to support Australians living with this progressive, debilitating disease,that is often difficult to diagnose, and treat.

“The disease can cause chest pain, shortness of breath with physical exercise, dizziness, loss of consciousness and abnormal heart rhythms,” said Dr Ellims.

“HCM can also lead to heart failure and premature death in people of all ages.”

HCM can be a crippling and drastically altering illness for certain people, resulting in decreased function and a lower standard of living.

Limited physical activity, emotional stress, such as feeling anxious or depressed, and a restricted work life are some of the most frequently reported repercussions of HCM symptoms. Therefore, it is good news for both patients and professionals that this patient community now has another therapeutic option.

Limited physical activity, emotional stress, such as feeling anxious or depressed, and a restricted work life are some of the most frequently reported repercussions of HCM symptoms. Therefore, it is good news for both patients and professionals that this patient community now has another therapeutic option.

“I was working hard, caring for three young kids, trying to keep fit, and to socialise, but I would get extremely tired and cranky. I was no fun to be around. Then I was diagnosed with HCM in April 2010,” said Daniel.

“I was changing my insurance and had to go for an insurance medical. I remember getting on a treadmill and having an exercise cardiogram. I returned home, and went out for a walk with my wife when the doctor rang and told me I had cardiomyopathy, and had to see him immediately.

“As my symptoms grew worse, I began to worry about whether I would be able to function moving forward, and the potential implications for my young family, and I,” Daniel said.

“I had to alter my lifestyle significantly and get comfortable living with the disease. I was forced to reduce my expectations, and to amend my lifestyle to accommodate my symptoms.”

Dr. Christian Verdicchio, an Adelaide resident and clinical senior lecturer at the Universities of Sydney and Adelaide, is the chief executive officer of Heart Support Australia, the country’s largest peer support network for Australians with heart disease. He applauded the reimbursement of a new treatment option for patients with obstructive heart disease today.

“Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common genetic heart condition affecting the muscles of the heart. To date there have been limited medical treatment options for this disease, that can be debilitating, and lead to sudden death.

“Knowing Australians now have access to a new treatment option, is important news for this patient group,” said Dr Verdicchio.

“We thank the Federal Minister for Health, and the Department of Health for this important approval which will no doubt improve the lives of those living with HCM.”

Dr. Meredith Edwards, Medical Director of BMS Australia and New Zealand, based in Melbourne, stated that the PBS listing of CAMZYOS is a major advancement for the Australian patient group suffering with obstructive HCM.

“Australians with symptomatic NYHA class II–III obstructive HCM may benefit from the reimbursement of this novel medication, which could help to address an unmet need.”