Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / HCM (MYH7-related) - Cat

MYH7-related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This DNA test analyses the MYH7 variant c.5647G>A, also described as p.(E1883K), which gives increased genetic predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. The condition is commonly abbreviated as HCM and is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, especially around the left ventricle.

HCM can lead to an enlarged heart, reduced pump function, heart murmur, abnormal rhythm, breathing difficulty, fluid around or behind the lungs, thromboembolism and sometimes sudden death. The MYH7 variant was described in a domestic shorthair / European shorthair-like cat and is considered an important genetic risk variant.

Practical value of this test

• Determines whether the cat carries the MYH7 c.5647G>A variant.
• Helps breeders and owners identify cats with increased genetic HCM predisposition.
• Supports breeding plans because variant-positive cats can pass the variant to offspring.

The inheritance is practically interpreted as autosomal incomplete dominant: one copy can already be relevant, while penetrance and severity can differ between animals and lines.