Atlanta, Ga. (April 21, 2025) – The genetic cardiac disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick, which makes it harder for the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at Piedmont is now designated by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) as a Center of Excellence (COE) for management of this disease.
HCMA Centers of Excellence are recognized for providing comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, education and research programs.
“This is an exciting time for our program, as the HCMA will help us to further ensure that patients and families have access to the best care possible through support, advocacy, and education,” said Kenneth Taylor, M.D., director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center.
HCM affects one in every 250 people worldwide, according to the HCMA. However, it can often go undiagnosed because many people with the disease have few, if any, symptoms. However, some people with HCM do experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. Patients tend to experience these symptoms during exercise.
Piedmont Heart, a national destination for cardiovascular care, offers complete multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment options for patients and families with HCM through the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program. Many HCM patients successfully control their symptoms solely with medications. For the small percentage of patients for whom medication is not enough, a range of surgical options is available as well.
“High volume, expert care for HCM is now accessible for all in Georgia thanks to the addition of Piedmont Heart to the HCMA Recognized Center Program,” said Lisa Salberg, HCMA CEO and founder. “With new treatments, improved diagnostics, and compassionate care with access points throughout the state, HCM patients and families will be safer and have the opportunity to live their best lives!”
Piedmont is the third site in Georgia to obtain this designation.
To learn more about Piedmont Heart’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, go to piedmont.org/HCM.