LEFT-VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY AND CARDIOVA SCULAR RISK

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of hypertension is characterized by an increased ventricular mass due to myocardial cell hypertrophy and development of collagen and capillaries. Detected in man by electrocar diography and echocardiography, it is difficult to study due to the la ck of sensitivity of EEG and the poor reproductibility of echocardiogr aphy, and by the lack of systematization of the analysis criteria adop ted by investigators. Despite these uncertainties, the pejorative prog nostic value of LVH has been clearly established and, based on its rel ationship with other risk factors, it can be considered to be an integ rator of cardiovascular risk, justifying the use of this marker rather than other more variable indicators such as BP. The improved prognosi s related to regression of LVH in response to treatment is currently c ontroversial. Preliminary results indicate a reduction of morbidity-mo rtality in hypertensive patients when LVH is decreased; these findings must be confirmed before reduction of LVH can constitute an objective and antihypertensive treatment.