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What Are the Treatments for Right Ventricular Hypertrophy?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Treatment for right ventricular hypertrophy varies from patient to patient and depends on the underlying causes of this condition. Prescription medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics may be used to treat some symptoms associated with this disorder. Implantable devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator may be used to regulate the heartbeat. In more severe situations, surgical intervention, or even heart transplantation, may be needed in order to successfully treat the condition. As there is no standardized treatment for this condition, any questions or concerns about the treatment of right ventricular hypertrophy in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Prescription medications may be used to treat specific conditions associated with right ventricular hypertrophy. Some of these conditions include bronchitis, blood clots in the lungs, and high blood pressure. Diuretics may be used to help eliminate extra fluid from the body, and ACE inhibitors or beta blockers are commonly prescribed to help control blood pressure levels. Additional medications may be used as necessary to treat individual symptoms as they develop.

Defibrillators may be used to regulate the heartbeat.
Defibrillators may be used to regulate the heartbeat.

A pacemaker or implantable defibrillator may be needed by some patients who are diagnosed with this condition. Each of these devices requires surgery, although the procedures are usually considered to be minimally invasive and do not involve a long period of recovery. Both the pacemaker and defibrillator are used to regulate heart rhythms, and the surgeon will decide which of the devices is most appropriate for a specific situation.

A pacemaker may be used to treat right ventricular hypertrophy.
A pacemaker may be used to treat right ventricular hypertrophy.

Open heart surgery may be used as a treatment method for right ventricular hypertrophy if there is severe damage to the heart or if less invasive methods of treatment have not been successful. This type of surgical procedure may be used to repair heart valves, remove blockages, or treat any damage to the heart or surrounding structures. There are significant risks associated with open heart surgery, so other options are explored before this method is chosen.

Artificial pacemakers can greatly increase the life expectancy of patients with congenital heart defects.
Artificial pacemakers can greatly increase the life expectancy of patients with congenital heart defects.

Heart transplant is used as a last resort type of treatment for those with right ventricular hypertrophy and is used only when damage to the heart has become so severe that the life of the patient can no longer be supported. A heart-lung machine may be used for a limited amount of time until a donor heart becomes available. Following the transplant, medications will need to be taken daily for the remainder of life in order to reduce the chances of organ rejection.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

I have mild right ventricular hypetrophy as well but I'm not receiving any treatment right now. Since the hypertrohy is mild and I'm not showing any symptoms of it, my doctor feels that I don't need to be on medications right now. He is having me go in for an ECHO every six months to make sure that the hypertrophy is not progressing.

I don't know if all doctors take this approach, but based on my experience, it appears that actual treatment for it is only started when the hypertrophy is bad enough. If it's not causing any obstruction to the heart, ventricular pressure and doesn't appear to be progressing, there isn't a need to do anything.

burcidi

Is the treatment for right ventricular hypertrophy the same as the treatment for left ventricular hypertrophy?

I have been diagnosed with a left ventricular hypertrophy after having an EKG and having it reviewed by a cardiologist. I've also been prescribed tablet medications to take because the hypertrophy is raising my blood pressure.

After reading the article, it seems like the treatments are pretty much the same for both conditions.

ysmina

My husband is cyclist and he developed right ventricular hypertrophy because of intense physical exercise. His doctor said that his heart is under a lot of pressure during exercising to pump blood and this has resulted in heart hypertrophy. The right ventricular wall in his heart has become thicker.

He is now on diuretic and beta-blocker medication to ease the pressure on his heart. He is also exercising much less and mildly to prevent more damage to the heart. He appears to have responded well to the medication, I guess he will just have to maintain it this way from now on with meds.

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    • Defibrillators may be used to regulate the heartbeat.
      By: Renewer
      Defibrillators may be used to regulate the heartbeat.
    • A pacemaker may be used to treat right ventricular hypertrophy.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      A pacemaker may be used to treat right ventricular hypertrophy.
    • Artificial pacemakers can greatly increase the life expectancy of patients with congenital heart defects.
      By: Patricia Marks
      Artificial pacemakers can greatly increase the life expectancy of patients with congenital heart defects.
    • A heart transplant is considered a last resort for someone with right ventricular hypertrophy.
      By: VILevi
      A heart transplant is considered a last resort for someone with right ventricular hypertrophy.
    • Prescription medications may be used to treat conditions associated with right ventricular hypertrophy.
      By: TRITOOTH
      Prescription medications may be used to treat conditions associated with right ventricular hypertrophy.
    • Beta blockers are commonly prescribed to control blood pressure levels.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Beta blockers are commonly prescribed to control blood pressure levels.
    • Bronchitis is associated with right ventricular hypertrophy.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Bronchitis is associated with right ventricular hypertrophy.