1. Vasodilators
Medications that help blood vessels relax and expand are often used to treat high blood pressure. But they can worsen symptoms when you have oHCM, especially if your symptoms aren’t well-managed. “Vasodilators decrease resistance in the body’s arteries, which forces the heart to squeeze harder. As a result, an oHCM patient might feel more shortness of breath or chest pain,” says Ronald Wharton, MD, director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program at Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.
Some common vasodilators include:
- Dihydropyridine class calcium channel blockers like amlodipine (Norvasc) and nifedipine. Non-dihydropyridine class calcium channel blockers like verapamil and diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac) work differently, so they’re safe for people with oHCM.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), Enalapril (Vasotec), Ramipril (Altace), Benazepril (Lotensin), and Quinapril (Accupril)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers like losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), and olmesartan (Benicar)
- Hydralazine (Apresoline), a direct vasodilator
- Nitrates like nitroglycerin
If you have high blood pressure, your cardiology team will help you find a safer therapy for managing your blood pressure, such as a non-dihydropyridine class calcium channel blocker, says Dr. Kherlopian.
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