Cardiology

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats that results in thickening of the heart muscle, specifically the main pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle). This thickening (called hypertrophy) can impair the relaxation of the heart and cause secondary enlargement of the top chamber on the left side of the heart (left atrium). This can lead to congestive heart failure, clot formation and even sudden death in severely affected…

The normal heartbeat makes a sound that corresponds to the closing of heart valves during the heart cycle.  A heart murmur, caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart or large vessels that arise from it, sounds like an abnormal whooshing or swishing sound during the heart beat cycle. This can be heard with a stethoscope and, if loud enough, can be felt as a buzzing or vibration over the heart. Careful listening with a…

The normal heartbeat makes a sound that corresponds to the closing of heart valves during the heart cycle. A heart murmur, caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart or large vessels that arise from it, sounds like an abnormal whooshing or swishing sound during the heart beat cycle. This can be heard with a stethoscope and, if loud enough, can be felt as a buzzing or vibration over the heart. Careful listening with a…