American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How often should first-degree relatives of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy be screened?

1. Every year

2. Every 3 years

3. Every 5 years

4. Every 10 years

The correct answer is: Every 5 years

First-degree relatives of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are at a significant risk for developing the condition themselves due to the hereditary nature of the disease. Screening for HCM typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and echocardiography. The recommendation for how often these relatives should be screened is every 5 years. This interval strikes a balance between ensuring that any developing condition can be detected in a timely manner while also being a practical approach considering the resources involved in healthcare. Screening every 5 years allows for adequate monitoring of familial heart health without overwhelming medical systems or unduly burdening patients and families. Yearly screening may be excessive given the relatively slow progression of HCM and the stability often seen in asymptomatic relatives. Similarly, longer intervals like every 10 or 3 years may not provide sufficient oversight given the potential for changes in cardiac status that can occur within 5 years. Thus, a 5-year interval is considered appropriate for capturing any developing issues while also being logistically feasible for families and healthcare providers.