Ventricular hypertrophy

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Ventricular hypertrophy
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness
Complications	Heart failure, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death
Onset
Duration
Types	Left ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular hypertrophy
Causes	Hypertension, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects
Risks	High blood pressure, obesity, sedentary lifestyle
Diagnosis	Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Athlete's heart, cardiomyopathy
Prevention	Blood pressure control, healthy diet, regular exercise
Treatment	Medications, surgery, lifestyle changes
Medication	Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics
Prognosis	Varies depending on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Common in individuals with hypertension
Deaths

Thickening of the heart's ventricular walls

Histopathology of myocardial hypertrophy

Histopathology of moderate myocardial hypertrophy

Ventricular hypertrophy is a condition characterized by the thickening of the myocardium (the muscle tissue of the heart's ventricles). This thickening can occur in the left ventricle, right ventricle, or both, and is often a response to increased workload on the heart. Ventricular hypertrophy can be a result of various cardiovascular conditions and can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly.

Types

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the thickening of the myocardium of the left ventricle. It is commonly associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) and aortic stenosis. LVH can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and increased risk of myocardial infarction.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) involves the thickening of the right ventricle's myocardium. It is often caused by conditions that increase pressure in the pulmonary artery, such as pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RVH can lead to right-sided heart failure and other complications.

Causes

Ventricular hypertrophy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Hypertension
• Valvular heart disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Athlete's heart
• Obesity
• Genetic disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Pathophysiology

The thickening of the ventricular walls is a compensatory mechanism in response to increased workload. This can be due to pressure overload, as seen in hypertension, or volume overload, as seen in valvular heart disease. The increased muscle mass helps the heart to maintain adequate cardiac output, but over time, it can lead to decreased compliance and impaired diastolic function.

Diagnosis

Ventricular hypertrophy is often diagnosed using electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging techniques can assess the thickness of the ventricular walls and the function of the heart.

Treatment

Treatment of ventricular hypertrophy focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may include:

• Antihypertensive medication for hypertension
• Surgical intervention for valvular heart disease
• Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise
• Monitoring and managing associated conditions

Prognosis

The prognosis of ventricular hypertrophy depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.

See also

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Cardiovascular disease

References

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