SummaryBackground: Most information concerning hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been derived from western countries and Japan.Hypothesis: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Taiwan may have a distinct morphology and clinical picture.Methods: Information from 163 consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at a medical center in Taiwan from 1990 through 2005 was retrospectively collected. The diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy required echocardiographic demonstration of left ventricular hypertrophy (wall thickness 15 mm during diastole) in a specific region or with diffuse distribution. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records.Results: Among 163 patients (male, 52%), the mean follow-up period was 5.3 ± 4.1 years. Men had nearly a threefold increase in prevalence of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (23.8% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.03),