Högerkammarstorlek

Högerkammarstorlek refers to the size of the right ventricle of the heart. This chamber is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood from the body to the lungs for oxygenation. Changes in the size of the right ventricle can be indicative of various underlying medical conditions.

Enlargement of the right ventricle, known as right ventricular hypertrophy, can occur due to increased workload. This might be caused by conditions that obstruct blood flow to the lungs, such as pulmonary hypertension, or by lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Heart valve diseases, particularly those affecting the tricuspid or pulmonary valves, can also lead to right ventricular enlargement.

Conversely, a smaller than normal right ventricle might be associated with congenital heart defects where the chamber did not develop properly. Assessing right ventricular size is typically done through imaging techniques like echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), cardiac MRI, or CT scans. The size is often evaluated in relation to normal ranges and can be measured in terms of dimensions or volume.

Understanding the right ventricular size is crucial for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases, as it provides important information about the heart's function and the progression of certain conditions. Treatment strategies often focus on addressing the underlying cause of any abnormal size changes.