Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Prevalence and prognostic implications of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in heart failure:
N M Hawkins1, D Wang, J J V McMurray
1Department of Cardiology, Stobhill Hospital, Balornock Road, Springburn, Glasgow G21 3UW, UK. nathawkins@hotmail.com
Insights
Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG LVH) is common in heart failure patients and independently predicts worse outcomes. This finding holds true across various left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG LVH) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertension.
- Understanding its role in heart failure is crucial for risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and prognostic impact of ECG LVH in a diverse heart failure patient population.
- To evaluate ECG LVH in patients with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 7599 patients from the Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) program.
- Utilized Cox regression models to determine the relative risk (RR) associated with ECG LVH, adjusting for 31 covariates.
Main Results:
- ECG LVH prevalence was consistent across CHARM trials (14.7%–17.1%), irrespective of hypertension history.
- ECG LVH independently predicted poorer outcomes, with RR for primary composite outcome at 1.27 (p=0.018).
- Increased risks observed for cardiovascular death (RR 1.50) and major cardiovascular events (RR 1.35).
Conclusions:
- ECG LVH is prevalent in symptomatic heart failure patients regardless of LVEF.
- ECG LVH serves as an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure.
- Candesartan demonstrated comparable efficacy in patients with and without ECG LVH.
Background:
Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG LVH) is a powerful independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertension.
Objective:
To determine the contemporary prevalence and prognostic implications of ECG LVH in a broad spectrum of patients with heart failure with and without reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS AND OUTCOME: The Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) programme randomised 7599 patients with symptomatic heart failure to receive candesartan or placebo. The primary outcome comprised cardiovascular death or hospital admission for worsening heart failure. The relative risk (RR) conveyed by ECG LVH compared with a normal ECG was examined in a Cox model, adjusting for as many as 31 covariates of prognostic importance.
Results:
The prevalence of ECG LVH was similar in all three CHARM trials (Alternative, 15.4%; Added, 17.1%; Preserved, 14.7%; Overall, 15.7%) despite a more frequent history of hypertension in CHARM-Preserved. ECG LVH was an independent predictor of worse prognosis in CHARM-Overall. RR for the primary outcome was 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 1.55, p = 0.018). The risk of secondary end points was also increased: cardiovascular death, 1.50 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.99, p = 0.005); hospitalisation due to heart failure, 1.19 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.50, p = 0.148); and composite major cardiovascular events, 1.35 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.62, p = 0.002).
Conclusion:
ECG LVH is similarly prevalent in patients with symptomatic heart failure regardless of LVEF. The simple clinical finding of ECG LVH was an independent predictor of a worse clinical outcome in a broad spectrum of patients with heart failure receiving extensive contemporary treatment. Candesartan had similar benefits in patients with and without ECG LVH.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care