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Cardiac Fibrosis

Meaning

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components, primarily collagen, within the myocardial tissue of the heart. This accumulation of non-contractile fibrous tissue replaces functional cardiomyocytes, leading to myocardial stiffening, impaired diastolic and systolic function, and ultimately contributing to heart failure and arrhythmias. It represents a maladaptive repair response to chronic injury or stress.