Prevalence and relevant factors on echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy among community-based hypertensive patients in Shanghai / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence and relevant factors on the echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>A cross-sectional study was conducted among the hypertensive patients in an urban community.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of LVH was 29.2% in 1 686 hypertensive patients, with 25.4% in males and 34.5% in females, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males (chi(2) = 16.17, P < 0.01). The rate was increasing with age and significantly higher prevalence was observed in 45-, 55-, 65- age groups of females (P < 0.05). Moreover, elevated systolic blood pressure and higher BMI were related to the LVH in hypertensive patients, while higher education level seemed a protective factor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results implied that a comprehensive intervention should be taken in the prevention of LVH.</p>