Myocardial energy depletion and dynamic systolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Julian O. M. Ormerod, Michael P. Frenneaux, Mark V. Sherrid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (SciVal)
8 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Evidence indicates that anatomical and physiological phenotypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) stem from genetically mediated, inefficient cardiomyocyte energy utilization, and subsequent cellular energy depletion. However, HCM often presents clinically with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function or hyperkinesia. If energy inefficiency is a feature of HCM, why is it not manifest as resting LV systolic dysfunction? In this Perspectives article, we focus on an idiosyncratic form of reversible systolic dysfunction provoked by LV obstruction that we have previously termed the 'lobster claw abnormality' — a mid-systolic drop in LV Doppler ejection velocities. In obstructive HCM, this drop explains the mid-systolic closure of the aortic valve, the bifid aortic pressure trace, and why patients cannot increase stroke volume with exercise. This phenomenon is characteristic of a broader phenomenon in HCM that we have termed dynamic systolic dysfunction. It underlies the development of apical aneurysms, and rare occurrence of cardiogenic shock after obstruction. We posit that dynamic systolic dysfunction is a manifestation of inefficient cardiomyocyte energy utilization. Systolic dysfunction is clinically inapparent at rest; however, it becomes overt through the mechanism of afterload mismatch when LV outflow obstruction is imposed. Energetic insufficiency is also present in nonobstructive HCM. This paradigm might suggest novel therapies. Other pathways that might be central to HCM, such as myofilament Ca2+ hypersensitivity, and enhanced late Na+ current, are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)677–687
Number of pages11
JournalNature Reviews Cardiology
Volume13
Issue number11
Early online date14 Jul 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Cardiac hypertrophy
  • Echocardiography
  • Pathogenesis

Cite this