Objective. - This study was aimed at determining factors acting on the regr
ession of left ventricular hypertrophy due to essential hypertension.
Methods. - It was a non-randomized, echocardiographic study of 60 previousl
y untreated hypertensive subjects (20 to 75 years of age).
Results. - Following a 5-year therapy, the decrease in the left ventricular
mass was 14%. Normalization of blood pressure and reversal of left ventric
ular hypertrophy were obtained in 50% and 58% of patients, respectively. Pa
tients of the non-responder group (non-response being defined as a less tha
n 10% decrease in the left ventricular mass) were older and had a longer hi
story of high blood pressure. A positive correlation was observed between a
ge and decrease in the left ventricular mass, the latter being less marked
in older patients. Antihypertensive drugs classes had no influence on rever
sal of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Conclusion. - Ageing may be a factor of resistance to the decrease in left
ventricular mass with therapy. These results suggest that early screening a
nd management of hypertension are essential. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.