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Role of aldosterone in left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension

Kiyoshi Matsumura1, Koji Fujii, Hideyuki Oniki

  • 1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. matsumk@intmed2.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

American Journal of Hypertension
|February 8, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Aldosterone significantly contributes to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in humans, similar to animal models. This hormone plays a key role in hypertensive target organ damage, distinct from angiotensin II.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Aldosterone is known to cause cardiac fibrosis in animal models.
  • Limited data exists on aldosterone's role in human left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy.
  • This study investigates aldosterone's impact on LV geometry and target organ damage in hypertensive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the role of aldosterone in LV geometry.
  • To investigate other target organ damage in hypertensive patients.
  • To compare LV hypertrophy in primary aldosteronism, renovascular hypertension, and essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Included 25 patients with primary aldosteronism, 29 with renovascular hypertension, and 29 with essential hypertension (EHT).
  • Conducted echocardiographic examinations and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
  • Analyzed LV mass index adjusted for age, sex, BP, pulse rate, BMI, and hypertension duration.

Main Results:

  • Mean 24-h BP was comparable across all groups.
  • LV mass index was significantly increased in primary aldosteronism and renovascular hypertension compared to EHT.
  • LV hypertrophy was particularly pronounced in primary aldosteronism, while proteinuria and retinopathy were more severe in renovascular hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Aldosterone appears to induce LV hypertrophy in humans, mirroring findings in experimental animals.
  • Angiotensin II and aldosterone may have differential roles in causing hypertensive target organ damage.
  • Primary aldosteronism is strongly associated with exaggerated LV hypertrophy.
Abstract

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