LV Mass and Left Ventricular Systolic Function After Antihypertensive Theraphy

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is one of independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Many studies have shown that the left ventricular hypertrophy could be regressed with the anti-hypertensive therapy. This study was designed to clarify that the left ventricular hypertrophy could be regressed with the anti-hypertensive therapy. METHOD: Thirty six patients with essential hypertension were studied and patients with coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, or secondary hypertension were excluded. Echocardiographic measurements were obtained at the start of anti-hypertensive therapy and followed up after 6 months of therapy or later. Used anti-hypertensive agents were calcium channel blockers, Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers or diuratics, alone or combined. RESULT: The results can be summareid as follows. 1) Mean initial blood pressure was 158/100mmHg and significantly fell to 135/83 after anti-hypertensive therapy. 2) Mean LV mass was also markedly reduced from 302 grams to 255 grams. 3) Fractional shortening and ejection fraction were increased from 33% to 36% and from 68% to 73% respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that antihypertensive therapy could reduce left ventricular hypertrophy and improve left ventricular systolic function.