Obesity Cardiomyopathy (OCM) describes structural and functional changes to the myocardium in the context of elevated BMI (BMI>30kg/m2), and in the absence of the traditional risk factors for heart failure.
Obesity has been observed to be an independent risk factor for Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).
There is no genetic testing pathway for SCD in OCM outside the context of the current National Genomic Testing Directory guidelines.
No monogenic basis for OCM has been identified. Further exploration of the obese SCD population is needed to help mould genomic testing guidelines.
Obesity, defined as an elevated body mass index (BMI) > 30kg/m2, has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. As of 2022, 1 in 8 people are living with the condition, with the number of adults affected having doubled since 1990. (1) Obesity Cardiomyopathy (OCM) describes cardiomegaly and/or myocardial dysfunction in the presence of an elevated BMI >30kg/m2. (2) Whilst cardiomegaly on autopsy is common in obese individuals, OCM is only presumed in the absence of common offending conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). (3) OCM can be associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and hence may be a trigger for genetic testing. Although NHS England has delineated clear testing criteria for sudden unexplained death, the role of genetic testing in those with OCM who do not meet the traditional SCD criteria is not clear. (4)
Author Sub-editor: Dr May Hu Dr May Hu is a cardiology trainee in the North West deanery. She graduated with First Class Honours from the University
Author Sub-editor: Dr Jhiamluka Solano Dr Jhiamluka Solano is a cardiology resident doctor (ST6) in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, currently undertaking a DPhil (PhD)
Author Sub-editor: Dr Justin Chiong Dr Justin Chiong is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow and Cardiology Registrar in the North West Deanery. He graduated from
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Marina Zafeiri Dr Marina Zafeiri is an IMT3 in the Wessex deanery, with a strong interest in Cardiology. She graduated from Athens
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Toby MacCarthy Author: Toby MacCarthy
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Toby MacCarthy Author: Toby MacCarthy
