Echocardiographic studies of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension.

The availability of echocardiography has allowed direct determinations of left ventricular wall thickness and calculation of left ventricular mass. As a result, the past decade has witnessed a remarkable evolution in our understanding of structural changes in the heart. Moreover, cardiac hypertrophy was found to be reversible by some forms of therapy. In general, reduction of left ventricular mass became evident after 8 to 12 weeks of antihypertensive therapy. Sympatholytics (including methyldopa and reserpine), converting enzyme inhibitors (captopril and enalapril), and calcium entry blockers led to significant regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. On the other hand, arteriolar vasodilators (hydralazine, trimazosin, and minoxidil) were not associated with regression of hypertrophy despite adequate blood pressure control. Finally, data regarding diuretics and beta-blockers are controversial. These differences in results among various antihypertensive drugs reflect the multiplicity of factors modulating left ventricular hypertrophy.