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Published on: February 20, 2017
Echocardiographically detected left ventricular hypertrophy: prevalence and risk factors. The Framingham Heart Study
D Levy1, K M Anderson, D D Savage
1Framingham Heart Study, Massachusetts.
Insights
Left ventricular hypertrophy is common, increasing with age and affecting 16-19% of adults. Key risk factors include elevated blood pressure and obesity, highlighting the importance of lifestyle modifications for heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Public Health
Background:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of LVH is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy in a large cohort.
- To identify key risk factors associated with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of echocardiographic data from 4976 participants in the Framingham Heart Study.
- Statistical analysis to assess the association between various factors and LVH prevalence.
Main Results:
- LVH was detected in 16% of men and 19% of women.
- Prevalence significantly increases with age, affecting over 30% of individuals 70 years or older.
- Independent risk factors identified include age, blood pressure, obesity, valve disease, and myocardial infarction.
Conclusions:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy is a common finding with identifiable risk factors.
- Blood pressure and obesity are significant contributors, even at lower levels.
- Weight reduction and blood pressure control are recommended for LVH prevention and regression.
Abstract:
The prevalence of and risk factors associated with echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy were examined in 4976 participants in the Framingham Heart Study (age, 17 to 90 years). Left ventricular hypertrophy was detected in 356 men (16%) and 513 women (19%). Prevalence increases dramatically with age (P less than 0.001), with 33% of men and 49% of women age 70 or older affected. A significant association between blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy is present and occurs at levels of systolic pressure below 140 mm Hg (age adjusted, P less than 0.001). There is a ninefold (women) to tenfold (men) increase from leanest to most obese group (age adjusted, P less than 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age, blood pressure, obesity, valve disease, and myocardial infarction are independently associated in both sexes. We conclude that left ventricular hypertrophy is a common echocardiographic finding for which several risk factors can be identified. These findings support weight reduction and blood pressure control for prevention or regression of this condition.
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