Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Clinic at The Alfred is the most experienced multidisciplinary group of HCM specialists in Melbourne. Our mission is to make a positive impact and provide people with HCM the best possible heart-health.

What we do

The HCM Clinic provides cutting-edge treatment for people with suspected or confirmed HCM. Our pioneering, highly skilled clinical team provides a complete service including access to diagnostic testing, genetic screening, prescription and surgical treatments as well as clinical trial research, education and support.

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited (genetic) condition which causes the heart muscle to become thickened (hypertrophied). This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations or dizziness. With treatment, most people with HCM will have improved quality of life and a normal life expectancy.

Who we care for

We provide comprehensive care for people with suspected or confirmed HCM. All diagnostic tests and procedures are performed in-house by our specialised team. We also provide up-to-date screening advice for relatives of affected family members.

What to expect

At your first appointment you will meet with one of our specialist cardiologists who will speak with you about your symptoms and medical history.

Our goal is to optimally manage and treat your symptoms. The HCM Clinic offers a complete range of cutting-edge treatments for HCM. This includes access to a novel precision medication called Mavacamten (Camzyos) which is the first therapy to specifically target the underlying heart muscle problem. In some cases, our specialist cardiologists may recommend surgical procedures such as percutaneous septal reduction, surgical septal myectomy or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) insertion which can be performed in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Our clinical team may recommend that people with HCM and their relatives consider specific genetic testing. Our compassionate genetic counsellors are available to support people with HCM and their families through the process.

Our team

The HCM Clinic at The Alfred is led by Dr Andris Ellims with senior cardiologists Dr Elizabeth Paratz and Associate Professor Hitesh Patel with Professor Silvana Marasco, Director of Cardiac Surgery alongside other specialised cardiologists including cardiac electrophysiologists (heart rhythm and device specialists) and coronary interventionalists (percutaneous septal reduction). Alongside our medical specialists, the HCM Service includes experienced cardiac nurses, genetic counsellors, pharmacists and cardiac technologists. The Alfred HCM service is a leading cardiac research centre and we work in close collaboration with Monash University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute to provide our patients with cutting-edge treatments and clinical trial opportunities.

How to access this clinic

Referral from your GP or specialist

We accept referrals from GPs and other cardiology services or cardiologists (public or private).

We also accept GP referrals if you are a relative of an affected family member. Please include as much information about the affected family member as is available including clinic letters and test results.

Once you are a patient of the service (after referral accepted) the following details can be used to reschedule an appointment: