Hypertrophy

Hyperplasia vs Hypertrophy

Hypertrophy is a term used in medicine to describe the enlargement of an organ or tissue due to the increased size of its cells. It is a common response to stress, particularly in the context of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Causes

Hypertrophy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Physical stress: This can include exercise, which can lead to muscle hypertrophy.
• Disease: Certain diseases, such as hypertension and valvular heart disease, can cause hypertrophy of the heart muscle.
• Genetic factors: Some people may be genetically predisposed to hypertrophy.

Types

There are two main types of hypertrophy:

• Physiological hypertrophy: This is a normal response to increased demand on a tissue or organ. For example, the muscles of a weightlifter may become hypertrophied due to the increased demand placed on them.
• Pathological hypertrophy: This occurs as a result of disease or abnormality. For example, the heart muscle may become hypertrophied in response to high blood pressure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hypertrophy depend on the organ or tissue affected. For example, hypertrophy of the heart muscle can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

Treatment

Treatment for hypertrophy depends on the underlying cause. For example, if hypertrophy is caused by high blood pressure, treatment may involve medications to lower blood pressure.

See also

• Hyperplasia
• Atrophy
• Metaplasia

Hypertrophy Resources
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