Hypertrophy of such an organ as the heart is a phenomenon that occurs quite often. In this case, muscles, various departments are affected, blood flow worsens. Most often, changes in the left ventricle are diagnosed . But the right ventricle may also be problematic; hypertrophy of its muscle tissue is often found in children. In a normal state, its wall thickness is 2 or 3 mm. If this value increases, then we can talk about the development of hypertrophy.
Types of Hypertrophy
Depending on how the structure of the heart is disturbed, the following types of hypertrophy are distinguished: concentric and eccentric. When the first wall of the heart becomes thicker, but the volume of the ventricles, atria decreases. The second type is characterized by expansion of the cavities of the heart.
There is a classification and depending on the causes. With large loads, the left or right ventricle changes, hypertrophy in this case is called working. If it arises as a result of diseases of a different kind, then in this case they talk about substitution hypertrophy.
In a normal state, the right ventricle is smaller than the left. Three stages of hypertrophy of this part are distinguished: mild (there are slight deviations), medium (the right part is still smaller than the left) and severe (while the size of the right ventricle exceeds the parameters of the left).
Causes of occurrence
The reasons for the development of this disease can be either congenital or acquired. Causes of right ventricular hypertrophy may be associated with past respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, polycystic). Another factor is congenital heart disease. There are also a number of conditions that can provoke disturbances in the work of the heart. An altered right ventricle, hypertrophy of its tissues - a consequence of obesity, polio, problems with the musculoskeletal system. Large physical exertion can also provoke a thickening of the walls of the heart.
Hypertrophy in newborns
Most often, this syndrome occurs in newborns as a result of problems with the development and functionality of the heart. This condition develops in the first days of life, when the load on this organ is especially great (especially on its right half).
Hypertrophy of the right ventricle of the heart also develops with a defect in the septum that divides the ventricles. In this case, the blood mixes, it becomes insufficiently saturated with oxygen. The heart, trying to restore normal blood flow, increases the load on the right ventricle. Hypertrophy is also possible due to tetralogy of Fallot, narrowing of the pulmonary valve. If any symptoms are found that indicate a malfunctioning heart, you should immediately show the child to a specialist.
Main symptoms
In the initial stages, the disease may be asymptomatic. However, the more the organ grows, the more pronounced the manifestation of this pathology becomes. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle of the heart may be accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance, pain in the chest area is felt. A person notes a heart rhythm disturbance, it becomes difficult to breathe, as if there is not enough oxygen. Often there is swelling of the legs. The signs of right ventricular hypertrophy in children are as follows: the skin acquires a bluish tint. This is especially noticeable when crying.
How is the diagnosis
If you find such symptoms in yourself, the first thing you need is to see a doctor. At the initial examination, a specialist may hear heart murmurs. A special risk group consists of those who are associated with heavy loads, have bad habits, as well as athletes. The hereditary factor is also important.
Reliable information about the state of the body gives echocardiography. Slight right ventricular hypertrophy on the ECG does not make significant changes. Some change in the teeth can only establish the fact of tissue enlargement, but ultrasound examination gives complete information about the thickness of the ventricle. This method indicates in detail the problem areas, their location. When using dopplerography, you can additionally set the blood flow velocity, its direction. When chest x-ray can also see an increase in the departments of the heart. However, it is worth remembering that right ventricular hypertrophy on the ECG is noticeable with fairly large changes. Obtaining normal results from this examination cannot exclude the presence of changes.
Hypertrophy treatment
The treatment of this condition is primarily aimed at eliminating the causes of its occurrence. At the same time, a person should bring his weight back to normal, get rid of bad habits, introduce moderate physical activity into his daily routine. If respiratory diseases have become the cause of hypertrophy, then therapy is aimed at removing inflammatory processes and treating bronchitis. In this case, drugs are prescribed that improve the metabolic processes occurring in the heart muscle. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle of the heart resulting from defects, treatment implies prompt. Surgical intervention is also indicated for the progression of the disease, a significant deterioration of the heart, a violation of the supply of internal organs with oxygen.
The operation can be carried out in two ways. At the first, the chest is cut, blood circulation stops for a while. At this time, defects are eliminated or an organ transplant occurs. Intervention of the second type is performed through an artery (femoral) or vein (jugular). At the same time, the heart continues to work in the usual mode, trauma is minimal. If the disease is detected on time, then it responds well to therapy. Regular visits to the doctor, taking medications - these are the measures that can stop the growth of heart tissue.
Danger of this condition
Any disturbances in the work of the heart have serious consequences, because it is this organ that provides our body with oxygen. The increase in the right department indicates that the load on this site is significantly increasing. Subsequently, the heart may cease to cope with a large amount of work. Malfunctions in the functioning of the heart muscle, arrhythmia are observed.
Hypertrophy of the right ventricle can alter the structure of arteries and other vessels. They can become much harder, as a result of this, blood flow in a small circle is disrupted, pressure increases, and patency, accordingly, becomes less. It should be noted that an increase in the right section leads to the formation of the so-called
pulmonary heart.