Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition in cats whereby the muscle of the heart becomes progressively thicker. As the muscle gets thicker and thicker the space within the heart gets smaller and smaller, so there is less space in the heart for the blood that is being returned to the heart by the veins.
This is a genetic condition in cats. Some breeds are more at risk, especially Maine Coons, but cats of all breeds can develop HCM. Cats with untreated overactive thyroids can also develop HCM because of the increased demand this puts on the cat’s heart. Treating the overactive thyroid will prevent this from occurring.
Unfortunately HCM is extremely common in cats and it often goes undiagnosed until your cat gets seriously ill.
For more information on HCM and heart failure in cats watch the video here...
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