Saint Thomas Heart is proud to announce their approval from the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) Board of Directors as an HCMA Recognized Center of Excellence. Saint Thomas Heart is the only Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) clinic in Tennessee to be awarded with this honor.

Being evaluated by a Center of Excellence means that Saint Thomas Heart patients will be treated by a team with subspecialty care experience and access to a group of clinicians with extensive exposure in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

"We are proud to be recognized with this honor which will continue Saint Thomas Heart's legacy of clinical excellence and improve the outcomes of those we are privileged to serve," said Dr. Mark Zenker, Cardiologist, Saint Thomas Heart. "Being first in Tennessee to receive this honor will help Saint Thomas Heart to expand comprehensive cardiac treatment options throughout Middle Tennessee."

The criteria for Center of Excellence status includes the ability to have a full service HCM center for therapy (medication or invasive therapy), heart transplantation, ICD placement, mental health, social work, genetic testing, and research. High volume care centers for HCM have advanced research and improved outcomes and quality of life.

"The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association is pleased to welcome Saint Thomas Heart to our family of Center of Excellence programs. The HCMA has worked hard over the past 24 years to ensure HCM patients receive the highest quality care in high volume programs. HCMA Recognized Centers of Excellence programs provide the most time and cost effective care when compared to those seeking care in the general cardiology community," said Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO. "Patients and families benefit by having a team of highly skilled clinicians as well as the emotional support they need to manage living with a genetic heart condition that may impact many other members of the family as well."