Is HOCM considered heart failure?

HOCM or Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, is a condition characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, primarily the left ventricle. The thickening and subsequent stiffness of the left ventricle prevents the heart from pumping blood adequately. HOCM may be considered a form of heart failure by definition. However, it is not considered heart failure in the traditional sense. 

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's demands, often due to weakened heart muscle or stiffening of the heart muscle. 

While both HOCM and heart failure can result in similar symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness, the underlying mechanisms are distinctly different.

Individuals with HOCM can develop heart failure as a complication, especially if the thickening of the heart muscle progresses and impairs overall heart function. In such cases, the two conditions can coexist.