Yale New Haven Hospital joins Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association’s Center of Excellence program

New Haven, CT-February 13, 2018—Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) is the first hospital in Connecticut to be recognized as a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. Such centers are recognized for providing comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, education and research programs.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is caused by a thickening of the heart muscle. In some people, the thickened heart muscle can cause shortness of breath, chest pain or problems in the heart’s electrical system, causing abnormal heart rhythms.

“As Connecticut's leader in treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Yale New Haven Hospital offers everything from the latest imaging techniques and sophisticated genetic profiling of HCM, to advanced diagnostic testing, treatment options and novel, clinical trials – all with an emphasis on compassion and communication,” said Dan Jacoby, MD, director, hypertrophic, cardiomyopathy program at Yale New Haven Hospital Heart and Vascular Center; and director, comprehensive heart failure program. “Our multidisciplinary team composed of nationally recognized physicians and scientists applies the latest cardiovascular genetic research results directly to patient care. We are committed to providing patients and their families with all information needed to make informed decisions about their health care.”

Yale New Haven’s well-established HCM center provides specialized, expert physicians and staff specially trained to manage HCM. This multidisciplinary team has the experience necessary to provide seamless care to patients and their families, at every age and stage of this disease. The HCM team includes specialists in adult and pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, cardiac anesthesia, cardiac imaging, social work, nutrition and genetics.

“The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association is pleased to welcome Yale New Haven Hospital to our family of Center of Excellence programs. The HCMA has worked hard over the past 22 years to ensure HCM patients receive the highest quality care in high volume programs. HCMA Recognized Centers of Excellence programs provide the most time and cost effective care when compared to those seeking care in the general cardiology community,” said Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO. “Patients and families benefit by having a team of highly skilled clinicians as well as the emotional support they need to manage living with a genetic heart condition that may impact many other members of the family as well.”

There are currently 29 HCMA-recognized Centers of Excellence across the United States. Yale New Haven Hospital is currently the only approved HCMA-Recognized CoE in Connecticut.

The HCMA, founded in 1996, is a 501(c)(3) organization operating out of Denville, NJ that provides support, advocacy, and education to patients, families and the medical community about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) while supporting research and fostering the development of treatments. The HCMA has provided services to over 10,000 HCM families representing more than 40,000 individuals affected, or potentially affected, by HCM. Through the use of strict criteria, the HCMA has evaluated and recognized Centers of Excellence across the country in order to ensure quality care and improved outcomes for HCM patients. For more information about the HCMA, visit 4hcm.org.