Cardiac Hypertrophy: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques

The condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle that results from an increase in the size of cardiomyocyte and changes in other heart muscle components like the extracellular matrix is termed as cardiac hypertrophy. Hypertrophy can be eccentric or concentric. Chest pain in conjunction with shortness of breath with exertion, syncope, general fatigue and palpitations are some of the signs and symptoms of cardiac hypertrophy. The condition can be diagnosed through an electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The treatment of cardiac hypertrophy is dependent on the underlying cause and may involve surgery or medicinal therapy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment and aortic valve stenosis treatment are some of the strategies used in the management of cardiac hypertrophy. Various blood pressure medications can be recommended such as angiotensin II receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, etc. Lifestyle changes comprising of regular exercise, smoking cessation, and a good diet regime consisting of whole grains, good fats, fruits, vegetables and adequate nutrients are other ways to aid the healing process. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of cardiac hypertrophy. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. It will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge in this domain.