Which condition can cause right ventricular dilation?

Right ventricular dilation is primarily associated with conditions that lead to increased pressure or volume overload in the right ventricle. In this context, pulmonary hypertension is a key condition that can cause right ventricular dilation.

When pulmonary hypertension is present, the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries becomes abnormally high. This increased pressure creates a significant challenge for the right ventricle, which is responsible for pumping blood into the pulmonary arteries. As the right ventricle works harder to overcome this elevated pressure, it can undergo remodeling and dilation over time in response to the increased afterload. This dilation is a compensatory mechanism, as the ventricle attempts to maintain adequate cardiac output despite the increased resistance it faces.

Conditions like coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and aortic stenosis primarily affect the left side of the heart or induce systemic issues, which do not directly lead to changes in the right ventricular morphology. While severe left-sided heart conditions can indirectly affect the right ventricle, pulmonary hypertension is the most direct cause of right ventricular dilation. This makes it a critical consideration in cardiac assessments and evaluations.