Etymed
ventricular hypertrophy
Definition
abnormal enlargement or thickening of the heart ventricular walls
Clinical context
A 55-year-old male presents with progressive dyspnea and chest pain. ECG shows voltage criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy with ST-T changes. Physical exam reveals a sustained apical impulse and palpable left ventricular impulse. His blood pressure is 160/100 mmHg. The most likely underlying cause is chronic hypertension.
Mnemonic
Ventricular hypertrophy = VENTRICLES thickened from VOLUME overload or VASOCONstriction
These morphemes also unlock…
- ventricul/o — ventricle
- hyper- — above; excessive
- -trophy — nourishment; development