Farmer with Rare Heart Condition Treated with Alcohol-Based Procedure at KIMS Saveera

Anantapur: A 40-year-old farmer from Tadipatri, experiencing symptoms of heart failure, was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) at KIMS Saveera Hospital, Anantapur.

The condition was treated successfully using a non-surgical procedure called Alcohol Septal Ablation (ASA), said Dr G Pradeep Krishna, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist.

Dr Pradeep Krishna explained, "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."

Despite initial medication, the patient’s symptoms persisted and his heart function declined. The cardiac team chose Alcohol Septal Ablation (ASA) as a non-surgical treatment option.

HOCM is caused by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, especially the septal portion, which can obstruct blood flow and cause mitral valve issues. It mostly affects people under 40 and is often genetic.

He added, "ASA involves injecting alcohol into small blood vessels of the thickened heart muscle through a catheter. This causes the excess tissue to shrink, improving blood flow and relieving symptoms."

Described the diagnosis process, he said, "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."