Left ventricular hypertrophy

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Overview

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) is a condition characterized by the thickening of the walls of the heart's lower left chamber, known as the left ventricle. The left ventricle plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular system, responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to organs and tissues throughout the body. LVH occurs as a response to increased workload on the heart, which can be due to various factors, including high blood pressure and heart valve diseases.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of LVH, including:

• High blood pressure: The most common cause, requiring the heart to work harder to circulate blood.
• Aortic stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve, increasing resistance against which the left ventricle must pump.
• Athletic training: In some cases, intense, prolonged physical training can lead to physiological LVH.

Symptoms

While LVH itself may not produce symptoms, it can lead to conditions that do, such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain, especially after exercise
• Dizziness or fainting
• Heart palpitations

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of LVH involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that can directly visualize the thickness of the ventricular walls and the heart's functioning.
• MRI of the heart

ECG showing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.

Treatment

Treatment for LVH focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and weight loss to reduce blood pressure.
• Medications: To manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and other contributing conditions.
• Surgery: In cases related to aortic stenosis or other structural heart issues.

Prevention

Preventing LVH involves controlling risk factors such as hypertension through:

• Regular exercise
• A heart-healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Monitoring and managing blood pressure

Prognosis

The outlook for individuals with LVH varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. With proper management, it's possible to halt the progression or even reverse the thickening of the heart's walls.

See Also

• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypertensive heart disease
• Echocardiography

References

• American Heart Association
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

External Links

• Mayo Clinic - Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Left ventricular hypertrophy Resources
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