Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy: are there preferred drugs?
The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) confers markedly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension. Regression of left ventricular (LV) mass with antihypertensive therapy is associated with reduction in cardiovascular events. In studies based on monotherapy, among the classes of antihypertensive drugs that have been adequately tested, diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors appear to be the most effective agents for reducing LV mass. New avenues of research, based on combination antihypertensive therapy and on a more sophisticated understanding of the molecular mechanisms of LVH, may yield new pharmacologic approaches to regressing LV mass.
Diamond
Joseph A
JA
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, 270-05 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA. jdiamond@lij.edu
Phillips
Robert A
RA
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004232:Diuretics