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Joanie, a 17 year old female, was diagnosed with Strep Endocarditis. Later, she developed an enlargement of the heart muscle. The medical term for the enlargement is __________

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Final answer:

The medical term for the enlargement of the heart muscle is cardiac hypertrophy, which is a condition that can result from damage caused by illnesses such as endocarditis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medical term for the enlargement of the heart muscle, as experienced by Joanie after her diagnosis of Strep Endocarditis, is cardiac hypertrophy.

This condition occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) thickens and may eventually weaken, compromising the heart's ability to pump blood. In the context of Joanie's condition, the endocarditis could have led to damage and strain on the heart, predisposing her to this enlargement. If cardiac hypertrophy progresses, it can lead to heart failure, marked by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and extremities.

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