Hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.
LVH is a common sequela of arterial hypertension; it increases the risk of sudden death and other cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of arterial pressure and has been associated with ventricular arrhythmias. Electrophysiological studies suggest a connection between ventricular arrhythmias in patients with LVH and sudden death. LVH can be reduced by specific antihypertensive therapy, although not all drugs are equipotent in this regard. A reduction in LVH has been shown to diminish ventricular ectopy. Preliminary findings suggest that a reduction of LVH and associated arrhythmias may reduce its inherent cardiovascular risk.
Messerli
F H
FH
Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121.
Grodzicki
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D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology