Thickening of the heart muscle is defined as an increase in the mass of the heart muscle or thickening due to the accumulation of other tissues and substances within the heart muscle. According to Cardiology Specialists at Anadolu Medical Center, the main cause of this condition, which can lead to heart failure, is hypertension. They provide insights into heart muscle thickening.
Although not widely known, heart muscle thickening is a very serious and important issue. The heart muscles contract due to increased pressure in the arteries, which is why this condition is most common in patients with hypertension. Muscle cells working against high pressure enlarge and thicken. Additionally, heart valve diseases can also lead to the thickening of the heart muscle. With thickening, structural changes occur in the heart muscle cells, and blood circulation issues emerge, leading to the onset of structural heart disease.
Since the muscle mass and pressure within the heart are generally higher in the left ventricle, it is usually the left ventricle that thickens. As a symptom, the increased pressure in blood circulation can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath. This condition is known as diastolic heart failure. Irregular heart rhythms and palpitations may also occur due to changes in the structure of the heart muscle, some of which can be life-threatening. In some cases, blood clots form inside the heart, and if these dislodge, they may cause stroke. As the disease progresses, heart muscle cells begin to die, leading to a decrease in thickness, but the heart’s ability to contract is impaired, resulting in insufficient blood pumping. Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs begin to appear, a condition known as congestive heart failure. In the early stages of heart muscle thickening, there may be no symptoms. Heart muscle thickening can lead to heart rhythm disturbances, sudden death, stroke, and heart failure. People with hypertension and heart valve disorders are in the high-risk group. If hypertension is not well-controlled and blood pressure remains high, heart muscle thickening can develop.
Preventing hypertension generally means preventing heart muscle thickening. Measures that reduce the risk of hypertension, such as regular health check-ups, early detection and treatment of hypertension, maintaining an ideal body weight, reducing salt intake, and avoiding alcohol and smoking, play a crucial role in prevention.
Last Updated Date: 15 January 2016
Publication Date: 16 October 2015
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