The ACC has received a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb to address gaps in care and knowledge around hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 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.

In early 2020, the 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, the 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."

Clinical Topics: Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies

Keywords: Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic, Cardiovascular System, Cardiovascular Diseases, Disease Management

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