Left ventricular hypertrophy

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy[edit | edit source]

Overview[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Left ventricular hypertrophy Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Kondreddy Naveen