Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and traits of 127 cats with heart thickening disease
By Payne, J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2010·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Population characteristics and survival in 127 referred cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (1997 to 2005).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 127 cats diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition) were studied to understand their characteristics and survival rates. The average survival time after diagnosis was about 3.5 years, with younger male cats and Ragdolls being more commonly affected. Cats that showed no symptoms, had normal heart chamber sizes, and specific heart valve movements tended to live longer. Unfortunately, cats with enlarged heart chambers had a worse outlook. This information can help pet owners understand what factors might influence their cat's health and longevity if diagnosed with this condition.
People also search for: cat heart disease symptoms · hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Ragdolls · cat heart condition treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristics and survival of a recent population of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Records at the Royal Veterinary College Queen Mother Hospital for Animals were searched for cats diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy between 1997 and 2005. Referring veterinarians and owners were contacted to determine survival times. RESULTS: Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were evaluated for population characteristics (n=127) and survival times (n=109). Overall median survival from date of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals was 1276 days. Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were younger (P=0·009), and more likely to be male (P<0·001) compared to a hospital control group (n=1473), and Ragdolls were over-represented (P<0·05). Characteristics associated with increased survival in univariate analysis included younger age (P=0·007), asymptomatic status (P<0·001), normal left atrial size (P<0·001) and presence of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (P=0·003). Systolic anterior motion was associated with asymptomatic status, and did not influence survival in asymptomatic cats or those in congestive heart failure. Age, left atrial size and breed were significantly associated with survival time in a multivariate analysis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left atrial enlargement have a poorer prognosis. The positive influence of systolic anterior motion on survival is likely to be linked to its association with asymptomatic status.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21029098/