Hypertension Pathology · Pathology

In the context of hypertensive heart disease, what is the histological hallmark of myocardial adaptation?

  1. Increase in the number of myocytes (hyperplasia)
  2. Myocyte enlargement with boxcar-shaped nuclei
  3. Fatty infiltration of the myocardium
  4. Extensive myocardial liquefactive necrosis
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Correct answer: Myocyte enlargement with boxcar-shaped nuclei

Myocytes are permanent cells and cannot undergo hyperplasia. In response to hypertension, they undergo hypertrophy, characterized by increased cell diameter and enlarged, rectangular 'boxcar' nuclei.

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