What is ventricular hypertrophy?

Ventricular hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the heart muscle, specifically in the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. This condition often occurs as a response to increased workload on the heart, such as from high blood pressure or heart valve disease. The muscle fibers in the ventricular walls adapt by increasing in size, which can ultimately alter the heart's pumping ability and lead to various complications if left untreated.

This thickening of the heart muscle can increase the force of contraction but may also lead to a reduced capacity of the chambers and increased stiffness, making it more challenging for the heart to fill with blood properly. It is an essential concept in cardiology as ventricular hypertrophy can be a precursor to heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Understanding this condition is critical for recognizing signs of cardiac stress and assessing overall heart health.