Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited heart condition. Most people who have it are unaware of any problems relating to it. Unfortunately, a small number of people with the condition can suddenly develop a dangerous fast heart beat that can lead to death. There is no cure, but implanting a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which is like a pacemaker can save the life of affected individuals. However, ICD implantation has its own problems, so choosing who gets an ICD is a very important decision.

The current approach for recommending people for an ICD has limitations and a better method is needed. Investigators have developed a new technique called the ‘Ventricular Conduction Stability’ (V-CoS). This involves wearing a special vest which records electrical signals from the heart, and then running on a treadmill. Investigators have used it to identify abnormalities in the hearts of people with (HCM) who have also survived a life-threatening event.

This project aims to test new tool against current methods to ascertain which is better at identifying patients who should have an ICD.

To find out how accurate V-CoS test is the investigator will study patients with confirmed Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy currently thought to be high risk. They will be tested by V-CoS and have their conventional risk score worked out. Patients will be followed up to 5 years to check if they have had a dangerously fast heartbeat or problems with their defibrillator.

Patients will be recruited primarily from three specialist Inherited Cardiac Diseases clinics in London, but will include other centres as well.

Participants will be interviewed in clinic by our team to explain the study, answer questions and to get permission for the test. Participants can leave the study at any time – it will not affect the way the investigator treat them as patients.

Participants will spend a half day at the Cardiac Investigations unit. This day will consist of, in this order:

1. Any remaining discussion of the study, the tests and the consent needed with the participant.
2. Putting the sensor vest on which will be done by one of the research staff. It looks like a waistcoat with electrical connections and is secured to the patient’s skin with conductive jelly underneath to help the recordings.
3. A 3D ‘CT’ scan of the chest is done to show how the sensor vest lines up with the heart. The scan has a low radiation dose, equivalent to 6 months of natural background radiation.
4. Then the participant will run on the treadmill whilst the vest is used to take recordings. The lowest V-CoS test score will be recorded from each participant and used to predict their risk.
5. Participants will have the V-CoS test repeated whilst doing the Valsalva maneuver. This is when participant attempt to blow out as much air as possible from lungs, but without letting any out from mouth or nose.
6. Participants with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators may undergo a test where the investigator give them extra heartbeats using their implanted device. The sensor vest will be used to take recordings. The investigator want to see if V-CoS scores can be lowered further than with exercise testing.
7. Participants will have a blood test or cheek swab to send for genetic testing. Then participants will be followed up. If they have a defibrillator they will be telephoned and seen in the ICD clinic every 6 months. If they do not have a defibrillator they will get follow up by telephone every 3 months. Maximum follow up is 5 years.