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Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Meaning

Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy is a maladaptive enlargement and thickening of the heart muscle walls, particularly the left ventricle, that occurs in response to chronic hemodynamic stress, such as hypertension or valvular disease. Unlike the physiological hypertrophy seen in athletes, this condition is characterized by disorganized myocyte growth, interstitial fibrosis, and altered gene expression, ultimately leading to impaired diastolic and systolic function. This remodeling process is a significant risk factor for heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Clinical management focuses on reversing the underlying stress and mitigating the pathological signaling pathways.