What is the Origin of Cardiac Hypertrophy?

The term is derived from Greek: kardia (heart) and hypertrophia, which means "over-nourishment" or "over-growth." This pathological concept has been recognized in medicine for centuries, with its physiological basis in cellular biology and biomechanics becoming clearer in the modern era. The clinical understanding of its role as a precursor to heart failure solidified in the mid-20th century.

What is the Mechanism of Cardiac Hypertrophy?

The process is driven by complex neurohormonal and mechanical signaling pathways that activate myocyte growth and protein synthesis. Chronic pressure overload stimulates the release of factors like Angiotensin II and Endothelin-1, which bind to myocardial receptors. This signaling cascade upregulates gene expression for structural proteins, leading to an increase in individual cardiomyocyte size rather than cell number, resulting in the thickened ventricular wall.

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Cardiac Hypertrophy

Meaning

Cardiac hypertrophy is a clinical condition defined by the abnormal enlargement and thickening of the heart muscle, or myocardium, particularly the left ventricle. This structural adaptation is often a pathological response to chronic stress, such as hypertension or valvular disease, which increases the heart’s workload. While initially a compensatory mechanism, sustained hypertrophy eventually impairs diastolic filling and reduces systolic function, leading to heart failure. It is a critical risk factor in cardiovascular pathology.