Heart failure & cardiomyopathies

Severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): effects on exercise capacity and outcomes from cardiopulmonary exercise testing combined with stress echocardiography

Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin OutcomesPublished retrospective analysis

Authors' conclusion

Severe dynamic LVOT obstruction identifies a high-risk HCM subgroup with impaired exercise capacity and poor prognosis. Intermediate gradients may still warrant close monitoring. TTE-CPET offers critical insight for risk stratification and early intervention.

Study context

Population
HCM patients undergoing TTE-CPETHCM patients undergoing TTE-CPET
Participants
388 patients
Exposure
Four groups based on peak LVOT gradient
  • ≥80 mmHgn = 82
Outcome
Composite of:
  • NYHA class worsening
  • Heart failure hospitalization
  • New-onset atrial fibrillation
  • Progression to end-stage HCM
Follow-up
Median 7.4 years
Methodological detailscombined cardiopulmonary exercise testing and stress echocardiography (TTE-CPET)
  • Combined cardiopulmonary exercise testing and stress echocardiography (TTE-CPET)

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Incidence of adverse events

50.0% vs. 31.6%

P = 0.011

higher with severe obstruction; comparator not named

Hazard ratio

1.87

P = 0.009

independently predicted adverse outcomes, even after adjustment; comparator not named

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

OutcomePeak VO2 (mL/kg/min)P value
Peak VO215.9 vs. 19.7P = 0.003
  • Peak VO2: significantly lower with severe obstruction; comparator not named

Peak VO2

Severe obstruction: higher pulmonary pressures, more advanced diastolic dysfunction, and greater symptom burden

Intermediate gradients (30-79 mmHg)

Generally preserved outcomes, though some exhibited early structural or functional changes

Original publication

Severe LVOT obstruction in HCM: effects on exercise capacity and outcomes from cardiopulmonary exercise testing combined with stress echocardiography. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. Published 6 April 2026. doi:10.1093/ehjqcco/qcag056

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