Open AccessNew perspectives on left ventricular hypertrophy: Anatomy, physiology, and significance
Author(s) -
ter Keurs Henk E.D.J.,
Savage D.D.,
Lester W.M.,
McGee D.L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960121310
Subject(s) - left ventricular hypertrophy , medicine , muscle hypertrophy , cardiology , overweight , population , afterload , heredity , blood pressure , hemodynamics , body mass index , environmental health , biology , genetics
The advent of echocardiography has added an important and sensitive tool for assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy (increased left ventricular mass). Recent echocardiographic studies in large population‐based samples suggest an epidemic of left ventricular hypertrophy. Preliminary data suggesting important prognostic importance for such left ventricular hypertrophy (independent of standard risk factors) has fueled interest in the development, determinants, and other features of the hypertrophy. Hemodynamic and neurohumoral factors are the most prominent stimuli to adaptive (physiologic) myocardial hypertrophy, which can progress to maladaptive (pathologic) hypertrophy. The overall blood pressure experience, overweight, the cardiovascular response to recurrent psychosocial stress and physical activity level are four important correlates and potential determinants of left ventricular mass in various urban‐suburban populations. Determination of the relative contributions and interrelations of these and other factors (such as heredity) to various forms of left ventricular hypertrophy found in various demographic groups warrants intensive investigation.