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[Left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. Ultrasonic and physiopathology: therapeutic implications]
Insights
Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy, a common condition in 30-50% of hypertensive patients, significantly increases risks for sudden death and cardiac events. Its diagnosis via echocardiography indicates a need for active medical treatment to manage associated morbidity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Medical Diagnostics
Context:
- Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HLVH) affects 30-50% of patients with hypertension.
- HLVH is a significant independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Echocardiography is a primary diagnostic tool for HLVH.
Purpose:
- To highlight the diagnostic ease and clinical significance of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy.
- To emphasize HLVH as a critical predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- To underscore the necessity of active medical intervention for HLVH.
Summary:
- Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HLVH) is readily diagnosed by echocardiography in 30-50% of hypertensive individuals.
- This condition is a potent, independent predictor of increased morbidity and mortality, including sudden death, arrhythmia, and severe coronary events.
- HLVH typically manifests as thickened ventricular walls, sometimes with a dilated cavity, and necessitates active medical treatment.
Impact:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of HLVH can mitigate risks of sudden death, arrhythmia, and coronary events.
- The presence of HLVH strongly indicates the need for proactive antihypertensive therapy.
- Further research is required to establish drug guidelines and evaluate the impact of hypertrophy regression on left ventricular function.
Abstract:
Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy can easily be diagnosed by echocardiography. It occurs in 30-50 per cent of hypertensive patients and has recently been shown to be a potent and independent predictor of morbidity and mortality, increasing the risk of sudden death, arrhythmia and severe coronary events. The condition usually presents as concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with symmetrically or asymmetrically thickened ventricular walls, but it may also be found with a dilated cavity. Its presence is a definite indication for active medical treatment. Guidelines for the choice of a particular antihypertensive drug are not yet available. Regression of the hypertrophy seems to be a rational goal of the treatment, but the beneficial effects of such a regression on left ventricular relaxation need further evaluation.