We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Concentric Hypertrophy?

By Sandra Koehler
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,398
Share

Concentric hypertrophy refers to a medical condition where an organ expands or enlarges on the inside. Also known as ventricular hypertrophy, this increase is typically seen in organs like the heart that have compartments or spaces required for proper functioning. Though the actual size of the organ does not increase, concentric hypertrophy makes the walls of the internal compartments thicker. This can hamper organ performance.

Some organs need sections of space to function efficiently. These hollowed areas in the heart, called chambers, allow the body to process blood and circulate it throughout the body. When the two ventricles or spaces in the heart are affected by concentric hypertrophy, movement of blood can be altered. The right side carries blood between the heart and the lungs whereas the left side transports blood to and from the body.

When an individual's right ventricle presents with concentric thickening, a process known as pulmonary circulation that allows the body to push blood back into the lungs is compromised. This can cause problems with the deoxygenated blood that is responsible for removing waste products including carbon dioxide from the body. If concentric hypertrophy is located within the left ventricle the ability to move nourishment to the rest of the body in the form of oxygenated blood can be affected.

The atrial chambers of the heart can also be affected by concentric hypertrophy. The atria is the like a “toll booth” in that it is the space where all the blood is either sent through to the heart or send out from the heart. The right side is responsible for sending blood filled with oxygen to the body and the left sends blood lacking oxygen back into the heart. If the body’s ability to filter and transport blood efficiently is affected, other health problems could occur.

Whereas concentric hypertrophy impedes blood circulation, it can come about in response to certain circumstances without causing health issues. Well trained athletes, for example, experience a temporary thickening of the cavity walls inside the heart during training. Another health condition that causes a decrease in space can be present includes pregnancy.

When concentric hypertrophy occurs due to another medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, the shrinking of the spaces may be gradual. Chronic narrowing of these areas can create circulation problems capable of threatening overall health. If not treated, this form of organ enlargement may cause heart failure.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-concentric-hypertrophy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.