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Prevalence of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in human hypertension: an updated review

Cesare Cuspidi1, Marta Rescaldani, Carla Sala

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine and Prevention, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy. cesare.cuspidi@unimib.it

Journal of Hypertension
|August 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in hypertensive patients, affecting an average of 18% of the population. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a valuable tool for detecting this cardiac organ damage and guiding treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Identifying cardiac organ damage in hypertension is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on the prevalence of hypertensive LVH using ECG.
  • To update knowledge on LVH as a marker of cardiac organ damage in hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • MEDLINE search for studies on LVH, hypertension, and ECG from 2000-2010.
  • Inclusion of 26 studies with over 40,000 adult participants.
  • Analysis of LVH prevalence based on various diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

  • LVH prevalence varied widely (0.6-40.0%), averaging 18% in the pooled population.
  • Prevalence was higher in men (24%) compared to women (16%).
  • The study included diverse patient demographics (whites, obese, diabetics, CVD patients).

Conclusions:

  • ECG is effective for identifying subclinical organ damage in hypertensive patients.
  • ECG aids in optimizing blood pressure control.
  • LVH is present in a substantial portion of the hypertensive population.
Abstract

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