What is cardiac hypertrophy?

Cardiac hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the heart, specifically characterized by an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle wall or an increase in the size of the heart chambers. This condition typically occurs as a response to increased workload on the heart, such as that from intense exercise or high blood pressure. The heart adapts by developing more muscle tissue, which can enhance its ability to pump blood effectively under greater physical demands.

This adaptive mechanism is generally a physiological response seen in athletes, particularly in endurance sports. It can improve overall cardiovascular efficiency, allowing the heart to handle increased volumes of blood during intense exercise more effectively. Understanding cardiac hypertrophy is essential in physical education and sports science, as it highlights how the body adapts to physical stress and training over time.