Therapeutic effect on left ventricular hypertrophy by different antihypertensive drugs.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) constitutes a powerful independent risk factor in hypertensive heart disease. Although initially the wall stress, i.e., left ventricular afterload, remains normal, the coronary reserve is diminished due to disturbances in the microcirculation. This is also shown in the commonly present silent ischemia episodes in Holter monitoring. LVH also causes ventricular dilation and heart failure. Apart from systolic wall stress LVH is modulated by the trophic effects of the sympathetic nervous system and angiotensin II and genetic factors. Long-term antihypertensive treatment must therefore focus on regression of both LVH and the microvascular abnormalities. A step approach for the treatment of the LVH has been recommended on the basis of the experience of this working group with calcium antagonists and ACE inhibitors, whereas the place of beta-blockers is as yet unclear. Preliminary data indicate that coronary flow rescue can also be improved after chronic antihypertensive treatment.