Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) is a medical condition characterized by the thickening and enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. In cases of chronic lung diseases or congenital heart defects, the workload on the right ventricle may increase, causing it to hypertrophy.
RVH can be caused by a variety of factors, including pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arrhythmias, or congenital heart defects. These conditions create a resistance to blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, leading to increased pressure and subsequent hypertrophy of the right ventricle.
Symptoms of right ventricular hypertrophy may vary depending on the underlying condition but can include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. Left untreated, RVH can progress and lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or even sudden cardiac death.
Diagnosis of RVH typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various imaging studies such as echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), or MRI scans. Treatment of right ventricular hypertrophy focuses on managing the underlying condition. This may include medication to reduce blood pressure or to control arrhythmias, oxygen therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
In conclusion, right ventricular hypertrophy is a medical condition characterized by the thickening and enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart, often caused by pulmonary hypertension, lung diseases, or congenital heart defects. Its diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, and treatment aims to manage the underlying cause.
