Which of the following findings is an example of cardiac remodeling that occurs in response to chronic heart failure?
Group of answer choices
- Temporary increase in heart rate
- Progressive ventricular dilation and myocardial hypertrophy
- Reversible reduction in ejection fraction
- Transient hypertrophy of the right ventricle
The correct answer is: Progressive ventricular dilation and myocardial hypertrophy.
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Explanation:
In response to chronic heart failure, the heart undergoes cardiac remodeling, which involves structural and functional changes to the heart’s size, shape, and function. Progressive ventricular dilation and myocardial hypertrophy are common findings in cardiac remodeling. These changes occur as the heart tries to compensate for the reduced ability to pump blood effectively.
- Ventricular dilation happens because the heart enlarges in an attempt to increase its pumping capacity.
- Myocardial hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the heart muscle as the heart works harder to pump blood against increased resistance.
Other options:
- Temporary increase in heart rate: This is a compensatory mechanism seen early in heart failure but is not part of the structural remodeling process.
- Reversible reduction in ejection fraction: Ejection fraction may decrease in heart failure, but the reduction is typically not “reversible” without significant intervention, and it does not represent remodeling itself.
- Transient hypertrophy of the right ventricle: While right ventricular hypertrophy can occur in certain conditions like cor pulmonale (due to pulmonary hypertension), it is not the typical remodeling pattern seen in chronic heart failure, especially left-sided heart failure.
