Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy is a medical condition where the heart muscle thickens in an uneven pattern. The word 'asymmetric' is pronounced /ˌeɪsɪˈmetrɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. 'Septal' is pronounced /ˈsɛptl̩/, with the stress on the first syllable, and 'hypertrophy' is pronounced /haɪˈpɜː.trə.fi/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word may be written with a hyphen, as 'asymmetric-septal hypertrophy', and is sometimes abbreviated as ASH. It is a rare condition, but can have serious complications if left untreated.
Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy, also known as Asymmetric Septal Thickening, is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal thickening or enlargement of the heart's interventricular septum. The interventricular septum is the muscular wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. In individuals with this condition, the hypertrophy or thickening of the septum is not uniform; instead, it occurs predominantly or exclusively in one region.
Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy is mainly associated with cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases that weaken the heart muscle and impair its ability to pump blood effectively. The thickened septum can obstruct the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, leading to a condition called left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting.
This condition is often inherited, with specific genetic mutations being identified in some cases. It can also be associated with systemic conditions like high blood pressure or aortic valve abnormalities. Diagnosis of Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging techniques (like echocardiography or cardiac MRI), and assessing symptoms. Treatment options may include medications to relieve symptoms, surgical interventions (e.g., septal myectomy or alcohol septal ablation) to reduce septum thickness, or implantation of a pacemaker to regulate the heart's rhythm. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to manage this condition effectively.