Rare and innovative cardiac care at KIMS Saveera Hospital

– A 40-year-old farmer diagnosed with rare heart condition with septal muscle thickening (HOCM) which reduces blood supply

– Successfully treated without surgery by Dr. Pradeep Krishna using Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) procedure

A 40-year-old farmer from Tadipatri, suffering from heart failure symptoms was found to have a rare and life-threatening heart condition(HOCM) Doctors at KIMS Saveera Hospital, Anantapur, identified the issue and treated it successfully without surgery.  Sharing details of the case, by treating doctor  Dr. G. Pradeep Krishna, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, explained the rare diagnosis and treatment.

“The patient, a farmer from Tadipatri, came to us with frequent complaints of fatigue, palpitations, chest discomfort, and dizziness. Upon conducting detailed investigations, we diagnosed him with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a rare condition seen in only 2 out of every 1,000 people,” said Dr. Pradeep Krishna.

Despite initial medication, his symptoms persisted and his heart function started to decline. The Cardiac team decided to proceed with a non-surgical procedure

called Alcohol Septal Ablation (ASA).

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?

This complex cardiac condition occurs when the heart muscle, particularly septal portion of the heart muscle thickens abnormally. This thickening can block blood flow out of the heart and also lead to mitral valve abnormalities. It disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, severely reducing supply to organs. While it can appear at any age but mostly seen in age less than 40 years . Its occurrence is almost genetic in nature and can run in families.

How does Alcohol Septal Ablation (ASA) work?

ASA is a non-surgical treatment for HOCM. In this procedure, alcohol is carefully injected into the small blood vessels (septal perforators) of the thickened heart muscle through a catheter. This controlled delivery of alcohol causes the excess tissue to shrink, thereby improving blood flow and relieving symptoms.

How is HOCM diagnosed?

An echocardiogram is the first step in detecting the condition. It helps to identify thickening of the heart muscle and assess the degree of obstruction. Cardiac MRI then offers a detailed view of the heart’s structure and extent of muscle thickening. Since the disease is inherited, genetic testing is also recommended, especially when a family member is diagnosed. Early detection through family screening, even before symptoms appear, greatly improves outcomes.

Dr. Pradeep Krishna concluded, “This farmer’s case is a perfect example of how awareness, timely diagnosis, and innovative non-surgical intervention can transform lives. If left untreated, HOCM can lead to serious complications, but thanks to ASA, he is now symptom-free and on the road to recovery.”