Father Saturnino Urios University

NURSING PROGRAM
Butuan City

Name: Harvey L. Selim N33

Moses Reggie Caballero, RN, MAN November 19, 2020

Myocardial Hypertrophy
Myocardial hypertrophy is the abnormal enlargement, or thickening, of the heart
muscle, resulting from increases in cardiomyocyte size and changes in other heart muscle
components, such as extracellular matrix. Myocardial Hypertrophy can occur when some
factor makes your heart work harder than normal to pump blood to your body.

Factors that can cause your heart to work harder include:

 High blood pressure (hypertension). This is the most common cause of left

ventricular hypertrophy. More than one-third of people show evidence of left
ventricular hypertrophy at the time of their diagnosis with hypertension.
 Aortic valve stenosis. This disease is a narrowing of the aortic valve that
separates the left ventricle from the large blood vessel leaving your heart (aorta). The
narrowing of the aortic valve requires the left ventricle to work harder to pump blood
into the aorta.
 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This genetic disease occurs when the heart
muscle becomes abnormally thick, even with completely normal blood pressure,
making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
 Athletic training. Intense, prolonged endurance and strength training can cause
the heart to adapt to handle the extra workload. It's unclear whether this athletic type
of left ventricle hypertrophy can lead to stiffening of the heart muscle and disease.
How to prevent Myocardial Hyperthrophy
The best way to prevent Myocardial hypertrophy caused by high blood pressure is to
maintain healthy blood pressure. To better manage your blood pressure:

1. Monitor high blood pressure. Purchase a home blood pressure measuring device and
check your blood pressure frequently. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor.
2. Make time for physical activity. Regular physical activity helps to lower blood
pressure and keep it at normal levels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity
most days of the week.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and salt, and eat more
fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcoholic beverages or drink them in moderation.
4. Quit smoking. Giving up smoking improves your overall health and prevents heart
attacks.
Reference:
Mayoclinic (2018). Left Ventricular Hyperthropy. Retrieved from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/left-ventricular-hypertrophy/symptoms-
causes/syc-20374314 last accessed on November 19, 2020.