Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) is a condition defined by an abnormal enlargement of the cardiac muscle surrounding the right ventricle.

Therefore, the main causes of RVH are pathologies of systems related to the right ventricle such as the pulmonary artery, the tricuspid valve or the airways.

RVH can be benign and have little impact on day-to-day life or it can lead to conditions such as heart failure, which has a poor prognosis.

Although presentations vary, individuals with right ventricular hypertrophy can experience symptoms that are associated with pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and/or a reduced cardiac output.

[citation needed] On physical examination, the most prominent features are due to the development of right-sided heart failure.

These can include a raised jugular venous pressure, ascites, left parasternal heave and a tender, enlarged liver on palpation.

[citation needed] PH is broadly split into five categories by the World Health Organization, based on the underlying cause.

This is a disorder where the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, allowing backward flow of blood.

[medical citation needed] Other risk factors for RVH include smoking, sleep apnea, and strenuous activity.

The pathophysiological process mainly occurs through aberrant signalling of the neuroendocrine hormones; angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and the catecholamines (e.g.

Through several intermediates, these pathways directly or indirectly increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production causing accumulation in myocardial cells.

[7] Targeting the renin–angiotensin (RAAS) system (using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers) are a well-recognized clinical approach for reversing maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy independently of blood pressure.

Hypertrophy can also be caused by mechanical forces, mTOR pathways, nitric oxide and immune cells.

The normal thickness of a right ventricular free wall ranges from 2-5 millimetres, with a value above 5 mm considered to be hypertrophic.

[5] Since the main causes of right ventricular hypertrophy is tricuspid regurgitation or pulmonary hypertension (discussed above), management involves treatment of these conditions.