Question

According to the statement, why might cardiac muscle hypertrophy occur, and is resistance training (RT) detrimental to the heart, leading to increased blood pressure (BP)?

A. Cardiac muscle hypertrophy is caused by resistance training, and it increases blood pressure.
B. Cardiac muscle hypertrophy only occurs in cardiovascular disease, and resistance training has no effect on blood pressure.
C. Resistance training (RT) is beneficial for cardiac muscle hypertrophy and does not increase blood pressure.
D. Cardiac muscle hypertrophy is unrelated to cardiovascular disease, and resistance training (RT) has a negative impact on blood pressure.

Answer 1

Cardiac muscle hypertrophy can be an adaptive response to resistance training, typically leading to a stronger heart without causing an increase in blood pressure. In contrast, cardiac hypertrophy due to disease is pathological, reducing heart efficiency and potentially raising blood pressure. Properly managed RT is beneficial and not harmful to blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cardiac muscle hypertrophy can occur for several reasons such as exercise or cardiovascular disease. When the heart muscle increases in size due to resistance training (RT), it's usually an adaptive response leading to a stronger and more efficient heart, not necessarily to an increase in blood pressure. RT is beneficial when done correctly, and by increasing cardiac output and muscular strength, it can actually help with blood pressure regulation over time. However, if conducted improperly or excessively, RT could potentially lead to an increase in blood pressure. Importantly, cardiac hypertrophy that occurs as a result of disease processes is a pathological change, leading the heart to become less efficient at pumping blood and potentially causing heart failure and elevated blood pressure.

Overall, the relationship between RT, cardiac hypertrophy, and blood pressure is complex. While RT can promote healthy muscle growth, including that of the heart, and is not inherently detrimental to blood pressure, it must be properly managed. In the context of cardiovascular disease, hypertrophy of the heart muscle is a maladaptive response to pathologic stress and is associated with negative outcomes such as increased blood pressure and heart failure.