Alerts Sign-up
The Christ Hospital Health Network's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic has been recognized with the 2025 Innovator Award by the American Heart Association. The award is given to hospitals that show innovation and dedication in advancing research and clinical care for patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
The hospital was chosen as one of 15 clinics nationwide to participate in the American Heart Association’s Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Registry, powered by Get With the Guidelines. Ankit Bhatia, MD, Co-Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at The Christ Hospital Health Network, leads a workgroup for this initiative. The group focuses on creating educational materials intended to improve provider knowledge and clinical practice related to HCM diagnosis, management, and care coordination.
“As research, clinical trials and awareness of HCM becomes more prevalent, I continue to be inspired by our providers and team members that work to make our community healthier,” said Ankit Bhatia, MD, FACC, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist and Co-Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center. “This award continues to show the dedication of The Christ Hospital Health Network to advancing the care of HCM patients.”
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about 1 in 300 people. It is often inherited and involves thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Because symptoms can vary widely or be absent altogether, diagnosing HCM can be challenging.
“We are honored by this recognition from the American Heart Association, which acknowledges our teams’ dedication and commitment to providing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with a specialized center for diagnostic expertise and compassionate care,” said Wojciech Mazur, MD, FACC, cardiologist and Co-Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center. “We continue to be a destination for cardiovascular health and awards like this shine a spotlight on the talented providers of our HCM program.”
It is estimated that about 1.3 million Americans have HCM—the most common genetic heart disease in the United States—with as many as 13,000 potential cases in Cincinnati alone. However, according to data from the National Institutes of Health only around 15% are aware they have it. The disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities; symptoms may include fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath or fainting but can also result in sudden cardiac death.
“This recognition highlights the incredible dedication of our clinical team,” said Elisabeth Ashleigh Schwartz, BSN, RN, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy RN Program Coordinator. “Clinical research is the cornerstone that enables patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to access new treatment options, and we are honored to be part of this vital work. Our team’s commitment to advancing research and improving clinical care is what drives our success.”
Previously The Christ Hospital Health Network was named an HCMA Center of Excellence for HCM care—one of only two such centers in Ohio and among just 50 nationwide.
The Christ Hospital Health Network operates an acute care hospital in Mt. Auburn along with a remote location in Liberty Township as well as eight outpatient centers throughout its region. With more than 1,300 physicians and over 7,200 staff members serving Greater Cincinnati for over a century, it was recently ranked #1 in Cincinnati by U.S. News & World Report and listed among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals for 2025.
