Category: Cardiac Pathophysiology

Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is among the most studied genetic cardiovascular disorders. It is characterized by abnormal thickening (hypertrophy) of the left ventricular myocardium, occurring in the absence of other conditions that could explain hypertrophy, such as systemic hypertension or valvular aortic stenosis. Since its first descriptions in the mid-20th century, HCM has transitioned from…

Introduction The human heart is an adaptable organ that continuously responds to physiological demands. Whether during exercise, stress, or disease, the heart adjusts to maintain adequate cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Among the most significant challenges to cardiac function are mechanical stress and pressure overload. These forces not only affect the heart’s short-term performance but…

Introduction Cardiac remodeling refers to the structural and functional changes in the heart that occur in response to injury or chronic stress, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, or valvular disease. Initially, remodeling is a compensatory mechanism that helps maintain cardiac output. However, when stress becomes prolonged, these changes turn maladaptive, resulting in myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis,…

Introduction The right ventricle (RV) of the heart has long been considered the “forgotten ventricle” compared to the left ventricle (LV), which has received more clinical and research attention. However, in recent decades, there has been growing recognition of the RV’s crucial role in health and disease, particularly in conditions such as pulmonary hypertension (PH).…

Introduction The human heart is a dynamic organ that continuously adapts to physiological and pathological conditions. Among its chambers, the left ventricle (LV) is particularly significant because it is the main pumping chamber that propels oxygenated blood into systemic circulation. Any alteration in its structure or function has profound implications for cardiovascular health. One of…

Introduction The human heart is an extraordinary organ that constantly adapts to the body’s changing metabolic and physiological needs. One such adaptive process is cardiac hypertrophy, which refers to the increase in cardiomyocyte size and overall heart mass. While hypertrophy can initially be a compensatory mechanism that helps maintain cardiac output under increased stress, persistent…

Introduction The human heart is one of the most resilient organs in the body, working tirelessly to pump blood and sustain life. Throughout a person’s lifetime, the heart adapts to numerous physiological and pathological conditions. One of the most significant adaptive mechanisms of the myocardium is cardiac hypertrophy, a process where heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes)…