One of the characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is scarring of heart muscle. Both the death of abnormal heart muscle cells and circulating hormones stimulate scar tissue formation. This study will utilize a colony of Maine Coon cats that are affected by a dominant, heritable form of HCM.
One aim in treating HCM is to decrease the thickness of the heart and decrease the scar tissue formation. Anecdotal experience has dictated that the use of drugs called ACE inhibitors to treat this problem, but further study is needed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, in Maine coon cats with moderate to severe HCM. Following an initial evaluation, the cats will be treated with ramipril and re-examined a year later. If ACE inhibitors cause improvement in cats with HCM, they would become a standard of care for HCM. Furthermore, early usage of ACE inhibitors may be successful in preventing or slowing progression of disease and subsequent congestive heart failure. (Ricky Fund Study)