The reported prevalence of HCM ranges from 1
in 200* to 1 in 500† people in the general population, however it
is estimated that many patients remain undiagnosed, underscoring
need for increased awareness and education
Jared Butler, professional basketball player
living with HCM, to partner on education campaign and share his
diagnosis story
CouldItBeHCM.com offers educational content
and downloadable resources to increase awareness of the disease and
help people experiencing possible signs and symptoms talk to their
doctor and ask if they should see a cardiologist
Bristol Myers Squibb today announced the launch of Could It Be
HCM?, an education campaign to help raise awareness of hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy (HCM). Could It Be HCM? encourages those
experiencing possible signs and symptoms of HCM to talk to their
doctor about what they’re feeling and ask if they should see a
cardiologist.
The reported prevalence of HCM ranges from 1 in 200* to 1 in
500† people in the general population. However, only about 100,000‡
people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with HCM, suggesting that
approximately 85 percent§ may remain undiagnosed. HCM is also the
most common inherited heart condition and can be passed down within
families. HCM can be a challenge for healthcare providers to
diagnose because it can be asymptomatic and its symptoms, which can
include shortness of breath, unexplained tiredness, chest pain,
rapid heartbeat and fainting, among others, can be similar to those
of other conditions, such as anxiety, asthma, heart failure,
coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation (irregular
heartbeat). Only a healthcare provider can determine whether these
symptoms indicate HCM or another condition.
“Early diagnosis of HCM is critical because a delayed or missed
diagnosis may put a patient’s health at greater risk,” said Michael
J. Ackerman, M.D., Ph.D., Genetic Cardiologist and Director of the
Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic at the Mayo Clinic
in Rochester, MN. “HCM is a lifelong heart condition that can be
debilitating, reducing physical functioning and overall well-being.
It can get worse over time and have serious complications. That’s
why awareness of this disease is so critical.”
As part of this effort, Bristol Myers Squibb is partnering with
Jared Butler, who earlier this year led Baylor University to the
NCAA men’s basketball national championship and is now a
professional basketball player. Butler, who was diagnosed with HCM
while in college and is a patient of Dr. Ackerman’s, will share
his—and his family’s—experience with the condition to further
highlight its impact on his life.
“I am pleased to be part of the Could It Be HCM? campaign and to
share my story in the hope that we can raise awareness of this
lifelong heart condition,” said Butler. “As I was about to start my
college basketball career, I was diagnosed with HCM during a
routine physical examination. While I have been able to continue
playing basketball, I know my experience with HCM is different from
others living with the condition, who may experience debilitating
symptoms and have difficulty performing everyday tasks. However, I
believe that my story can encourage people to learn more about HCM
and, if they are experiencing symptoms, see a doctor.”
At the center of the campaign is CouldItBeHCM.com, which
provides important information about HCM and support tools for
people experiencing unexplained symptoms. Downloadable resources
available at CouldItBeHCM.com include a symptom guide and a
discussion guide to help someone experiencing unexplained symptoms
have a productive conversation with their physician.
“At Bristol Myers Squibb we are committed to supporting patient
communities and providing education and resources for patients is a
key component of this commitment,” said Michelle Calope, Vice
President, U.S. Cardiovascular and Established Brands, Bristol
Myers Squibb. “We believe that by increasing the visibility of HCM,
a disease that many may be unfamiliar with, we can help patients
and their families better understand the disease.”
For more than 60 years, Bristol Myers Squibb has been steadfast
in its commitment to helping patients living with cardiovascular
diseases. The Could It Be HCM? campaign is designed to continue
this long-standing commitment by raising awareness of HCM.
To learn more about HCM and the impact it can have, please visit
CouldItBeHCM.com.
* The 2015 Semsarian publication identified that the prevalence of
HCM gene carriers could be as high as 1 in 200. † The 1995 CARDIA
study—a multicenter, US-population–based echocardiography study of
4111 subjects (aged 23–35)—identified the prevalence of HCM as 1 in
500 people in the general population. ‡ Based on 2013 ICD-9 claims
data analysis (N=169,089,614): An estimated ~700,000 overall US
prevalence of HCM (1. ~100,000 patients with diagnosed HCM [based
on 2013 US Census population], 2. ~600,000 patients with
undiagnosed HCM [based on analysis’ assumption that 1-in-500
prevalence represents clinically unrecognized cases]). § Estimated
undiagnosed range calculated using prevalence of 1 in 500,
estimated US population (332,330,571 in May 2021), and estimated
diagnosed population (~100,000).
About HCM
HCM is a chronic heart disease that affects the heart muscle. It
is the most common inherited heart disease and can be a serious
heart condition, yet most people with HCM don’t even know they have
it. In HCM patients, the walls of the heart become thicker than
they should be and this excessive thickening can cause the heart to
become more stiff, leaving less room for blood to fill the heart.
This means a heart affected by HCM has to work harder and may have
difficulty pumping oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of body. As a
result, those with HCM may experience fatigue, a fast heartbeat,
chest pain, breathing problems or light-headedness which may
interfere with a patient’s ability to participate in activities of
daily living. Furthermore, HCM has also been associated with
increased risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat),
stroke, heart failure, and in rare cases, sudden cardiac death.
About Bristol Myers
Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose
mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines
that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more
information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or
follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and
Instagram.
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Dr. Ackerman is a paid scientific advisor for Bristol Myers
Squibb.
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