Comoros hypertrophy of the left heart in aortic stenosis - a compensatory response or pathological adaptation

Abstract

Left ventricular hypertrophy in aortic stenosis is considered as a compensatory response helping to maintain systolic function. Recent research in experimental models and clinical observations suggests, however, that hypertrophy is not necessary to sustain left ventricular contraction but may be in fact maladaptive.

In this article, we briefly summarize current knowledge about this topic.

Keywords

• hypertrophy of the left heart
• aortic stenosis
• compensatory response
• pathological adaptation