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Prognostic value of the extent of left ventricular hypertrophy and its evolution in the hypertensive patient

Philippe Gosse1, Antoine Cremer, Marion Vircoulon

  • 1Cardiology-Hypertension Department, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France. philippe.gosse@chu-bordeaux.fr

Journal of Hypertension
|October 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a cardiovascular risk marker. Its progression, measured by left ventricular mass index (LVMI), independently predicts complications in hypertensive patients, with a cutoff of 51 g/m(2.7).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Clinical Risk Stratification

Background:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a recognized indicator of cardiovascular risk.
  • Limited research exists on how the progression of LVH influences cardiovascular risk over time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prognostic value of left ventricular mass (LVM) evolution in hypertensive patients.
  • To determine if changes in LVM over time independently predict cardiovascular complications.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 763 hypertensive patients had baseline LVM measured by echocardiography before treatment.
  • Follow-up averaged 12 years, with cardiovascular complications recorded.
  • LVM was re-measured in a subgroup (n=436) after approximately 5 years.

Main Results:

  • Initial LVM was a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk.
  • An LVM index (LVMI) cutoff of 51 g/m(2.7) showed optimal sensitivity and specificity for predicting complications.
  • Progression of LVM over 5 years was independently associated with cardiovascular complications, irrespective of baseline LVM or other risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • LVMI is a potent risk factor in hypertension, with a cutoff of 51 g/m(2.7) proving consistent for risk prediction.
  • The progression of LVM, assessed approximately 5 years after initial measurement, holds independent prognostic value for cardiovascular events.
Abstract

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