Left ventricular hypertrophy as a risk factor in patients with or without coronary artery disease

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-1995

Abstract

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a powerful, independent contributor to cardiovascular complications and all-cause death. Although the basis for adverse risk in LVH is incompletely understood, several pathophysiologic mechanisms are believed to play important roles. Demand ischemia on the basis of increased left ventricular muscle mass, impaired coronary vasodilator reserve, and abnormal coronary autoregulation act in concert to sensitize the hypertrophied ventricle to ischemia and infarction. The abnormal increase in interstitial fibrosis and collagen volume fraction in pathologic LVH may also contribute to life-threatening arrhythmias as well as impaired diastolic function and heart failure. The imposition of supply ischemia from associated epicardial coronary artery disease further worsens the risk for cardiac morbidity and mortality. Risk factor modification in order to prevent LVH is justified; however, additional long-term studies are needed to determine whether regression of established LVH results in improved prognosis.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

First Page

67

Last Page

74

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