Gauri Kaul Foundation brings together top cardiologists in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 29: The Gauri Kaul Foundation (GKF) hosted a high-level Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Relooking at Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 2026.”

The symposium, held in the heart of Srinagar, brought together approximately 100 medical professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (oHCM).

The meeting was organized by Prof. Upendra Kaul, Founder of GKF and a world-renowned cardiologist, who emphasised the critical need for early detection. Experts noted that HCM remains a significantly under-diagnosed condition, estimated to affect between 1 in 250 to 500 people globally. The disease often has a genetic basis and can be a cause of sudden death.

The scientific sessions delved into Pathophysiology & Mechanism: Understanding the genetic and structural drivers of heart muscle thickening, Septal Reduction Therapy (SRT): Reviewing surgical and catheter-based interventions for patients with severe obstruction, Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) Prevention: The vital role of implantable devices, specifically ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators), in protecting high-risk patients.

A highlight of the symposium was the discussion on Mavacamten, a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor recently launched in India. Prof Kaul presented evidence-based outcomes showing that the drug significantly reduces the need for invasive septal reduction and improves patient quality of life by addressing the underlying cause of the disease rather than just the symptoms.

The event featured a “who’s who” of cardiology in the Kashmir Valley. Distinguished speakers included: Prof. Khurshid Iqbal, Prof. Hilal Rather, Prof. Khurshid Aslam, Prof. Irfan Ahmad and many others besides Prof Upendra Kaul. The program saw active participation from premier teaching institutions, including Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, fostering a collaborative environment for the region’s medical community.

“Our goal is to ensure that no patient in the valley goes undiagnosed,” said Prof. Upendra Kaul. “With newer medical therapies like Mavacamten and better awareness of device-based prevention, we can drastically change the prognosis for HCM patients in J&K. The foundation hopes this interactive session will serve as a catalyst for local doctors to remain vigilant in screening and managing HCM effectively, potentially saving lives through timely intervention,” Dr Kaul said.