Types of Tests for Heart Disease

https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/cardiology/cardiac-blood-tests-in-cats/

This site lists various tests like xrays and ultrasounds for detecting heart disease and lays out pros and cons.

Pro BNP Test to Detect Heart Disease-When Is It Necessary

https://thehormonelab.com/handbook/other-endocrine/probnp-canine-cardiac-marker

When at the vet, should you get a blood test to test for heart disease in a cat (or dog) if you do not know if a cat has HCM? The ProBnP test looks at and measures a protein that is released when there is damage to the heart. This is a test that would need to be repeated any time you thought the cat had HCM or issues with the heart. I would recommend that you save the money and see a cardiologist instead. Of course, the ultrasound is more expensive and may take time to get an appointment.  AND it also would need to be repeated if you suspected the cat had heart issues later on. AND if the cat is positive with ProBnP, you still need to see the cardiologist immediately. 

Only a cardiac ultrasound can tell you if the cat has any heart issues. Of course, even the ultrasound would need to be repeated if you suspected the cat had heart issues. 

If your cat is presenting with signs of HCM-such as CHF (congestive heart failure)-and XRAYS show the cat is congested, skip the Pro BnP test, treat the CHF with diuretics, treat any other symptoms (rapid heart rate, a need for oxygen, rear leg lameness [likely a clot or injury] etc.) THEN make an appointment to see a cardiologist as soon as possible to get an ultrasound-the ONLY true test for heart disease that will also tell you exactly what is wrong with the heart, and guide the vet as to treatment. 

Seeing a cardiologist early-as a young cat-gives you a good baseline reading of the heart. Seeing a cardiologist annually if the cat has a heart murmur will allow you to know what is the cause of the murmur, if it needs treatment, and catch if HCM does develop. Other issues with the heart may arise-as the cat ages because the heart ages there may be heart disease; or if the cat gets CKD-kidney disease-which damages the heart; or if they have thyroid disease or other diseases or cancer, all which stress or damage the heart in their way. A cardiac ultrasound in all of these cases will be the only way to see what is wrong with the heart. No need for the ProBnP.

Genetic Testing for HCM-Not Always Necessary

This is general information and not really helpful for those with HCM cats. But apply it to your other cats; tell your friends, etc.

I believe your cat doesn't need a DNA test to see if they might get HCM. They could still possibly get it even though they do not have the gene. But it is a good starting point for breeders since many top breeds of cats are prone to HCM.

Also-testing and being positive with a gene tells you nothing-you still must wait to see IF the disease will occur in your cat and to what extent. For that you need to see a cardiologist at least annually and then wait for it to appear.

I recommend that all cats see a cardiologist when a kitten, or when you first get one home; then again when they are four, then age six or so, and then annually once they are ten because the heart ages and issues can arise. Also see the cardiologist if your cat has a detectable murmur, or if they need surgery, or they need dental cleaning/surgery, if they need anesthesia for anything such as an MRI. If you do not, the anesthesia will likely cause CHF-the first sudden sign of HCM that typically hits a cat. (It's likely HCM or CHF signs were appearing at home but owners missed them.)

https://basepaws.com/blogs/news/genetic-markers-for-feline-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy

Breathing Rate Apps-For Pets and Humans

Someone said they use a breathing app to count breathing rates. I found there are quite a few different apps out there that might help you count and track the rate. You can also use the clock/timer on your phone. I simply watch my second hand on my watch-something anyone over 45ish likely still uses. (Or older??)

One thing I may not have mentioned-when counting the breathing rate you are ALSO looking for the difference between a fast rate and a fast rate that includes a PUSHING out by the chest (and for a cat it's really the entire chest/abdomen area that moves.) A PUSH indicates the body is having a difficult time getting oxygen into the lungs; it's trying to get oxygen and cannot. That indicates there is CHF and the cat needs the vet/ER vet now (although surprisingly when Katharine got sick a few months ago, it wasn't CHF but simply a respiratory infection that caused the PUSH which we had not seen in our non HCM cats before.) You'd want to give a diuretic but also leave for the ER and oxygen.

Here are a few. I'm sure there are more. Find these apps at Apple or Google or wherever you go for apps. I have no information on costs or ease of use but a pet owner said they use SRR and like it.

RRate, SRR Counter for Dogs and Cats, Medtimer, TapRate, Respi-Rate, Breath Counter.

Breathing Rates-How to Count; Why it Matters; Bette Update

Let's talk breathing rate. It's important that you monitor your cat's breathing rate many times a day. An HCM cat may be fine one minute, and then suddenly go into CHF. How do you know? Count the breathing rate. I tell you to count in 15 seconds because it's easier to watch the cat and your watch. But the breathing rate is really counted as a "minute". So, take 15 seconds and times it by four for a minute rate. But 15 seconds is a good way to start. How many up and down chest movements in 15 seconds? One up and down is ONE COUNT. 6 at rest is great. The cat is fine. 8 at rest and the cat may be heading into CHF. 10 or more and the cat likely has CHF and needs another dose of diuretic if you have it, or a trip to the vet or ER vet. What I like to do is count the rate; let the cat sit for a minute; then count again. Is the rate increasing? Slowing? Staying the same? Try again. Then decide.

Normal cats have a fluctuating rate while at rest, watching birds, listening to noise, preparing to eat, etc. But normal cats can have a sustained rate and tolerate it because it will decline. But HCM cats don't have that luxury because it likely indicates CHF. What is CHF? Congestive heart failure-when the heart is too enlarged to take IN all of the blood/fluid circulating and the rest falls into the lungs. This is PULMONARY EDEMA and can only be gotten rid of with a DIURETIC like furosemide. The other issue can be PLEURAL EFFUSION when fluid builds up AROUND the lungs. This can only be gotten rid of with a needle extraction by the vet AND a diuretic.

Both conditions of CHF will also need oxygen from the vet. WHY? Because fluid in the lungs prevents the blood that passes from the heart INTO the lungs from getting oxygen from the lungs and moving on to the brain, organs, body, etc. This leads to a decrease in organ function, a decrease in the body's ability to handle the disease or to properly function.

CHF is also a DROWNING IN THE LUNGS, when a cat cannot breathe, not simply a cold or simple congestion as humans can get. (Humans can die of CHF but often humans think of CHF in cats/dogs as a cold. It is not.)

If you have diuretic on hand, if the cat is on a regular dose (typically it calls for a maintenance dose of 2.5-5mg twice or more a day as needed for example) you should give the cat another dose if you suspect CHF. 2.5-5 is a good start. Wait about 20 minutes for it to kick in and continue to monitor. Don't hesitate to go to the vet/ER vet for oxygen and injected diuretic if the cat does not improve. Time is of the essence.

AND since it's winter and recently severely cold, remember to keep your cats inside; keep them warm, not hot; keep them out of opened windows even if it is warm where you are. Too much cold or humidity (and windows get a lot of cold air blasting through, or the sun overheating them) can bring on CHF. Stress-noise, car rides, visitors, construction noise-can cause stress. Try to keep them calm and remove them from the stress if possible (another room?) or monitor as always.

If your cat is not already on diuretics, ask the vet why and ask for a prescription so that you have them on hand when the time comes. You want to stay AHEAD of the issue, not try to fight it AFTER it has arrived. Katharine-our latest HCM-is not on them yet but I do have new pills on hand just in case.

Good luck!

Bette: tail straight up, jumping up and running around since her post Christmas/January illness. We are titrating down the steroid and will continue to monitor in case it returns.