Which statement best describes concentric hypertrophy and its potential effects?

• A. Eccentric hypertrophy thickens walls, increasing contractility but reducing chamber size.
• B. Concentric hypertrophy enlarges chamber size and stroke volume.
• C. Eccentric hypertrophy reduces chamber size and increases filling pressure.
• D. Concentric hypertrophy thickens walls, increasing contractility but potentially reducing chamber size.

Answer: (D)

Concentric hypertrophy happens when the heart faces increased pressure (pressure overload). The ventricle adds muscle in parallel, so the walls thicken while the chamber size becomes smaller. That extra muscle can generate more force, so contractile capability can be increased, but the smaller chamber reduces the volume available for filling. This can raise filling pressures and lead to diastolic dysfunction, especially if the thickening is pronounced. So, thickening of the walls with a potential boost in contractile force, along with a reduced chamber size, best fits concentric hypertrophy. The other descriptions mix up the patterns: eccentric hypertrophy involves chamber dilation and wall thinning from volume overload, not wall thickening.