[Aging and regression of cardiac hypertrophy in the hypertensive patient].
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed at determining factors acting on the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy due to essential hypertension.


METHODS
It was a non-randomized, echocardiographic study of 60 previously untreated hypertensive subjects (20 to 75 years of age).


RESULTS
Following a 5-year therapy, the decrease in the left ventricular mass was 14%. Normalization of blood pressure and reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy were obtained in 50% and 58% of patients, respectively. Patients of the non-responder group (non-response being defined as a less than 10% decrease in the left ventricular mass) were older and had a longer history of high blood pressure. A positive correlation was observed between age and decrease in the left ventricular mass, the latter being less marked in older patients. Antihypertensive drugs classes had no influence on reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy.


CONCLUSIONS
Ageing may be a factor of resistance to the decrease in left ventricular mass with therapy. These results suggest that early screening and management of hypertension are essential.
Du Cailar
G
G
Service de médecine interne G, hôpital Lapeyronie, Montpellier, France.
Ribstein
J
J
Mimran
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents