Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
A Model of Reverse Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease by Aortic Debanding in Rats
Published on: March 1, 2022
Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular risk changes in hypertensive patients
Paolo Verdecchia1, Fabio Angeli, Loretta Pittavini
1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, R. Silvestrini Hospital, Perugia, Italy. verdec@tin.it
Insights
Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) significantly increases cardiovascular risk. Aggressive treatment, particularly with ACE-inhibitors or Angiotensin II antagonists, can reverse LVH and reduce adverse events by 59%.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Cardiovascular Disease
Background:
- Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) affects about one-third of individuals with hypertension.
- LVH presence nearly doubles the risk of cardiovascular events, even without symptoms.
- LVH integrates long-term exposure to pressure overload and other factors promoting atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant cardiovascular risk associated with hypertensive LVH.
- To emphasize the importance of aggressive management of hypertension and risk factors.
- To review the potential for LVH regression and its impact on cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- The abstract discusses observational data and meta-analysis findings regarding LVH.
- It reviews the role of antihypertensive treatments and lifestyle modifications.
- Focuses on the effectiveness of specific drug classes like ACE-inhibitors and Angiotensin II antagonists.
Main Results:
- Effective reversal of LVH is associated with a 59% reduction in subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.
- Antihypertensive treatment and lifestyle changes can lead to partial or total regression of LVH.
- ACE-inhibitors and Angiotensin II antagonists show particular efficacy in reversing LVH.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive management of hypertension and associated risk factors is crucial.
- Regression of LVH through treatment is linked to a significant decrease in cardiovascular risk.
- Reversing LVH offers a substantial protective benefit against future adverse cardiovascular events.
Abstract:
Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may be detected in about one third of people with hypertension. When an individual with elevated blood pressure develops LVH, the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in the ensuing years almost doubles even in the absence of symptoms. Because of this high added risk, hypertension and other modifiable risk factors should be managed aggressively with lifestyle measures and drugs. LVH can be considered a biological assay which reflects and integrates the long-term exposure not only to pressure overload, but also to several hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic factors which may promote progression and instabilization of atherosclerotic lesions and, ultimately, lead to adverse clinical events. LVH can partially or totally regress following antihypertensive treatment and lifestyle changes including losing excessive weight and decreasing salt intake. Angiotensin II antagonists and ACE-inhibitors seem to be the most effective drugs for reversing LVH. Evidence is accumulating that regression of LVH is associated with a significant reduction in the subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a recent meta-analysis, effective reversal of LVH is associated with a 59% lesser risk of subsequent adverse events as compared with the persistence or new development of LVH.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction