Relation between left ventricular geometric alteration and extracardiac target organ damage in hypertensive patients

To study the relation between left ventricular geometric alteration and ext racardiac target organ damage in hypertensive patients. A retrospective stu dy of 298 patients with essential hypertension was performed. Left ventricu lar mass index (LVMI) and relative wail thickness (RWT) were calculated usi ng echocardiographic data. Patients were divided into four groups based on their left ventricular geometric pattern as determined using LVMI and RWT. Each of the four left ventricular geometric patterns was associated with a different degree of extracardiac organ damage. In multivariate analysis, LV MI and RWT showed strong, significant correlation to retinal changes and in creases in serum creatinine levels, respectively. Alteration of left ventri cular geometry resulted in an increase in the degree of extracardiac target organ damage. Echocardiograghic classification of left ventricular geometr y can further stratify hypertensive patients according to risk, and possibl y according to the indications for intensive treatment.