Predisposition of cats to the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy depending on breed, age and gender

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common heart diseases in cats. This pathology is found in 15–34 % of clinically healthy cats and is a serious problem that requires timely diagnosis and often leads to death. HCM results in diastolic dysfunction, a decrease in the heart’s ability to fill normally during diastole, which leads to increased pressure in the left atrium and subsequent development of congestive heart failure. This disease can manifest itself in varying degrees of severity, and early diagnosis can prevent complications of HCM. The prognosis for HCM depends on the stage of the disease. Many cats with mild to moderate HCM never progress to severe HCM and therefore have an excellent prognosis. However, with consistent observation, a significant number of cats develop severe HCM. Most cats with marked LV wall thickening and moderate to severe left atrial enlargement, who do not have heart failure, develop heart failure or arterial thromboembolism.