What does right ventricular hypertrophy mean?
Aug 04, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Shilei
Introduction
Right ventricular hypertrophy is caused by excessive loading during both diastole and systole of the right ventricle, leading to ventricular wall thickening and chamber enlargement. Pressure overload primarily results in ventricular wall thickening, whereas volume overload predominantly causes chamber enlargement. Because the atrial wall is relatively thin, either type of overload typically manifests as right atrial enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) results from excessive pressure or volume load on the right ventricle during diastole and systole, manifesting as both ventricular wall thickening and chamber enlargement. Predominantly increased pressure load leads mainly to ventricular wall thickening, whereas predominantly increased volume load leads primarily to ventricular chamber dilation. With prolonged duration of overload, both hypertrophy and dilation commonly coexist.
The atrial wall is relatively thin; thus, regardless of the type of overload, right atrial enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy typically occur together. This combination represents the most common structural consequence of organic heart disease. When sufficiently advanced, these changes become evident on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Management of RVH requires identification of the underlying etiology, followed by targeted therapy tailored to the specific cause.
