Contact: Nicole Napoli, nnapoli@acc.org, 202-375-6523

WASHINGTON (Feb 16, 2021) -

The American College of Cardiology has received a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb to address gaps in care and knowledge around hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one of the most common cardiovascular genetic diseases. The Accelerating Innovation for Medical Excellence in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (AIME HCM) initiative will increase the awareness and understanding of HCM, activate clinicians and optimize disease management to improve outcomes.

HCM is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied) and stiff. The thickened heart muscle is unable to relax and fill with oxygenated blood, which can impede the flow of blood out of the heart. It is often undiagnosed, and patients face a significant disease burden. Estimates are that 1 in 500 people have HCM; however, only 100,000 Americans have been formally diagnosed with the disease.

In early 2020, ACC conducted a survey of cardiologists to uncover barriers and better understand perceptions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of HCM. The College developed education modules to increase awareness of diagnosis and treatment of HCM, and the 2020 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy was released in December 2020. But increased awareness and education on detection of HCM and implementing guideline-directed care for patients is needed.

“The ACC is mission-driven to transform cardiovascular care for all of our patients. There is a real need for actionable tools for physicians and patients to more effectively diagnose and manage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,” said ACC President Athena Poppas, MD, FACC. “Through this collaboration with BMS, we are extending our guidelines to implementation and education, thereby further ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date, high-quality care.”

Through the 2 1/2-year, phased AIME HCM initiative, ACC will increase and amplify education, clinical guidance and practical tools and solutions to support clinicians in identifying and appropriately managing HCM to reduce the burden of the disease and progression. Education will include expert

videos, patient cases, interactive learning modules and podcasts. The initiative will also support clinician roundtables and patient forums to ensure the voices of those living with and managing challenges associated with HCM are heard.

“We are committed to supporting cardiologists to ensure they have the tools they need to appropriately manage HCM patients,” said Samit Hirawat, MD, chief medical officer of Bristol Myers Squibb. “We are proud to provide a grant to ACC for clinician education and awareness which is essential to close the gaps around HCM and help improve patient outcomes.”

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

 

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