Concentric hypertrophy of heart is associated –
**Core Concept**
Concentric hypertrophy of the heart refers to an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle (myocardium) as a response to increased afterload, such as hypertension. This type of hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the cardiac myocytes, leading to a thicker heart wall.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In concentric hypertrophy, the heart muscle compensates for the increased pressure by thickening the wall of the ventricle. This allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently against the increased resistance. The increased thickness of the heart muscle is due to the activation of the calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway, which promotes the expression of genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy, such as those encoding for beta-myosin heavy chain. The increased wall thickness also leads to an increase in the number of sarcomeres in series, resulting in a more efficient contraction.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because eccentric hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in the size of the cardiac myocytes, leading to a dilated heart, whereas concentric hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, but it is not the same as concentric hypertrophy.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition characterized by normal or elevated ejection fraction, but it is not directly associated with concentric hypertrophy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Concentric hypertrophy can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. It is essential to diagnose and manage underlying conditions, such as hypertension, to prevent the progression of concentric hypertrophy.
**Correct Answer: D. Concentric hypertrophy of the heart is associated with increased afterload, such as hypertension.**