Developing Precise Diagnostics for this Common Genetic Heart Disease

On this episode of Advances in Care, host Erin Welsh and cardiologist Dr. Diala Steitieh discuss the current landscape of care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — or HCM — the most common genetic heart disorder. Dr. Steitieh outlines the advantages of genetic screenings for patients who have HCM, along with the symptoms and risks if the condition is left undiagnosed or unmanaged.

She expands on the importance of understanding obstructive vs. non-obstructive conditions and the importance of making a precise diagnosis to get a clear sense of each patient’s severity. Dr. Steitieh and her team recently implemented a new approach to their diagnostic imaging protocol called goal-directed Valsalva. With this emerging tool in the landscape of cardiology, they are able to get a better sense of an obstruction impacting blood flow, and ultimately offer a wider variety of treatment options.

Beyond diagnosis, Dr. Steitieh also shares her excitement about updates to the management of HCM, including recently approved drugs and new guidelines regarding sports & exercise. She and her team at Weill Cornell Medicine are in the process of becoming a designated Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association Center of Excellence, a development that Dr. Steitieh hopes will improve access to care for patients in New York and beyond.

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Dr. Diala Steitieh is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, and the Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy program in the Division of Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital. She has a background in sports cardiology and also cares for patients with a wide array of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary disease and valvular heart disease. Dr. Steitieh also serves as an attending physician on the inpatient services at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, including the intensive care unit and cardiac units.

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