What is Concentric Hypertrophy?

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.