Cardiac hypertrophy
Cardiac Hypertrophy
Cardiac hypertrophy (pronounced: kahr-DEE-ak hy-PUR-truh-fee) is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle. This condition can be a response to increased workload, such as high blood pressure (Hypertension) or heart valve disease (Valvular Heart Disease), or it can be associated with genetic conditions (Genetic Disorders).
Etymology
The term "Cardiac hypertrophy" is derived from the Greek words "kardia", meaning heart, and "hypertrophia", meaning excessive nourishment.
Types of Cardiac Hypertrophy
There are two main types of cardiac hypertrophy:
- Concentric hypertrophy: This occurs when the walls of the heart's chambers thicken without an increase in chamber size. It is often caused by high blood pressure or other conditions that make the heart work harder.
- Eccentric hypertrophy: This occurs when the heart's chambers enlarge, but the walls do not thicken proportionally. It is often caused by volume overload, such as in conditions like Mitral Regurgitation or Aortic Regurgitation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiac hypertrophy may include shortness of breath (Dyspnea), chest pain (Angina), fatigue, fainting (Syncope), and irregular heartbeats (Arrhythmia).
Diagnosis
Cardiac hypertrophy is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (Electrocardiogram), echocardiogram (Echocardiogram), and cardiac MRI (Cardiac MRI).
Treatment
Treatment for cardiac hypertrophy typically involves managing the underlying condition causing the hypertrophy. This may include medications to lower blood pressure, surgical procedures to correct heart valve problems, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Related Terms
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.