Left ventricular hypertrophy. Prevalence in older patients and management.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) can be detected by electrocardiography or, with greater sensitivity, by echocardiography. Its prevalence increases with age, probably due to greater disease diffusion rather than aging itself. LVH is not only a consequence of disease, but also an independent contributor to morbidity and mortality, both in young and aged populations. Attempts have been made to reduce left ventricular (LV) mass by pharmacological and other means. LVH regression is possible in young and old hypertensive patients by some but not all hypotensive drugs. The effect on LV mass seems largely independent of blood pressure reduction. Whether LV mass control should be sought beyond the treatment of the underlying disease is still debated. Preliminary data indicate prognostic benefits associated with LVH regression, but studies on the elderly are scanty. LVH is a common and ominous finding in old people. In hypertension it can be reversed by drug therapy, with apparent functional improvement. Further studies are needed to verify the long term consequence of LV mass reduction in this age group.