Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
08:13

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography

Published on: February 16, 2016

Association of left ventricular mass with all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke

Alberto Bouzas-Mosquera1, Francisco J Broullón, Nemesio Álvarez-García

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain. alberto.bouzas.mosquera@sergas.es

Plos One
|October 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Increased left ventricular mass is linked to higher risks of death, heart attack, and stroke. This association is independent and increases with the severity of left ventricular mass elevation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • Left ventricular mass (LVM) is a key indicator of cardiac health.
  • Assessing the prognostic value of LVM is crucial for cardiovascular risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between left ventricular mass and mortality.
  • To determine the relationship between LVM and nonfatal cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was used to measure LVM in 40,138 adult patients.
  • The study followed patients for a mean of 5.6 years, recording all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke.
  • Multivariate analysis was employed to adjust for potential confounders.

Main Results:

  • Higher LVM was significantly associated with increased 10-year mortality rates (p<0.001).
  • Elevated LVM also correlated with higher rates of nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke.
  • LVM remained an independent predictor of mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke in both men and women after adjustment (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Left ventricular mass demonstrates a graded and independent association with adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Elevated LVM is a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
  • Echocardiographic assessment of LVM is vital for predicting cardiovascular events.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Regulation of Stroke Volume01:27

Regulation of Stroke Volume

The regulation of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out during each heartbeat, is critical for maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Stroke volume is influenced by three main factors: preload, contractility, and afterload.
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...