The major pumping chamber of the heart is the left ventricle. This heart chamber pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta, the large blood vessel that delivers blood to the body's tissues. If the left ventricle has to work too hard, its muscle hypertrophies (enlarges) and becomes thick. This is called left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Because of the increased thickness, blood supply to the muscle itself may become inadequate. This can lead to cardiac ischemia (not enough blood and oxygen at the tissue level), myocardial infarction (heart attack), or heart failure. The November 17, 2004, issue of JAMA includes several articles about reducing the risks of heart failure and death from LVH by treating high blood pressure. Show
Because these signs and symptoms can indicate several different kinds of heart trouble or other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Sometimes individuals develop LVH without symptoms, so checking blood pressure is important.
Treatment of high blood pressure, usually including blood pressure medication and a healthful lifestyle (regular exercise, healthful diet to maintain normal weight, no tobacco use), can help prevent LVH from developing in the first place. If LVH is already present, treating hypertension can stop progression of LVH and may also prevent heart failure resulting from it. The other causes of LVH require specialized evaluation and treatment.
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on heart failure was published in the February 6, 2002, issue; one on hypertension was published in the February 27, 2002, issue; one on electrocardiograms was published in the April 23/30, 2003, issue; and one on risk factors for heart disease was published in the August 20, 2003, issue. Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424. TOPIC: HEART DISEASE OverviewLeft ventricular hypertrophy is thickening of the walls of the lower left heart chamber. The lower left heart chamber is called the left ventricle. The left ventricle is the heart's main pumping chamber. During left ventricular hypertrophy, the thickened heart wall can become stiff. Blood pressure in the heart increases. The changes make it harder for the heart to effectively pump blood. Eventually, the heart may fail to pump with as much force as needed. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the most common cause of left ventricular hypertrophy. Complications include irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, and heart failure. Treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy depends on the cause. Treatment may include medications or surgery.
Left ventricular hypertrophy is a thickening of the wall of the heart's main pumping chamber. This thickening may result in elevation of pressure within the heart and sometimes poor pumping action. The most common cause is high blood pressure. SymptomsLeft ventricular hypertrophy usually develops gradually. Some people do not have symptoms, especially during the early stages of the condition. Left ventricular hypertrophy itself doesn't cause symptoms. But symptoms may occur as the strain on the heart worsens. They may include:
When to see a doctorSeek emergency care if:
If you have mild shortness of breath or other symptoms, such as palpitations, see your health care provider. If you have high blood pressure or another condition that increases the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, your provider is likely to recommend regular health checkups to check your heart. CausesAnything that puts stress on the heart's lower left chamber can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. The lower left chamber is called the left ventricle. As the strain on the left ventricle increases, the muscle tissue in the chamber wall thickens. Sometimes, the size of the heart chamber itself also increases. Left ventricular hypertrophy also may be caused by gene changes that affect the heart muscle's structure. Things that can cause the heart to work harder and may possibly lead to left ventricular hypertrophy include:
Certain conditions passed down through families — called genetic conditions — can make the heart thicker. They include:
Risk factorsThings that increase the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy include:
ComplicationsLeft ventricular hypertrophy changes the structure and function of the heart. The thickened left ventricle becomes weak and stiff. This prevents the lower left heart chamber from filling properly with blood. As a result, blood pressure in the heart increases. As a result of these changes, complications of left ventricular hypertrophy include:
PreventionThe same healthy lifestyle changes recommended to treat heart diseases and high blood pressure also help prevent it. To prevent left ventricular hypertrophy caused by high blood pressure:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy. Get your blood pressure checked at least every two years if you're 18 and older. If you have risk factors for heart disease or are over age 40, you may need more-frequent checks. Ask your health care provider what blood pressure reading is best for you. Your provider may recommend checking your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitoring devices are available at local stores and pharmacies. DiagnosisYour health care provider does a physical exam and asks questions about your symptoms and family's health history. The care provider checks your blood pressure and listens to your heart with a device called a stethoscope. TestsIf your health care provider thinks you have left ventricular hypertrophy, imaging tests may be done to look at the heart. Tests used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy may include:
TreatmentTreatment for left ventricular hypertrophy depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications, catheter procedures or surgery. It's important to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea, which can cause blood pressure to be higher. MedicationsMedicines are used to treat symptoms and prevent complications of left ventricular hypertrophy. Blood pressure drugs may help reduce or prevent thickening of the heart muscle. The type of medication prescribed depends on the cause of left ventricular hypertrophy. Medications that might be used to treat left ventricular hypertrophy or the conditions that cause it include:
Surgery or other proceduresLeft ventricular hypertrophy that is caused by aortic valve stenosis might require a catheter procedure or surgery to repair or replace the valve. Surgery or other procedures may be needed to treat underlying conditions.
Together you and your provider can develop a treatment plan that's best for you. Lifestyle and home remediesLifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and boost heart health. Try these healthy lifestyle changes:
Preparing for an appointmentYou may be referred to a doctor trained in treating heart diseases. This type of provider is called a cardiologist. What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor
Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour health care provider is likely to ask you many questions. Being ready to answer them may leave time to go over items you want to spend more time on. You may be asked:
© 2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use What are the symptoms of mild left ventricular hypertrophy?People with mild LVH may not notice any symptoms. As the condition worsens, you may experience symptoms including: Chest pain. Dizziness or fainting ( syncope ). Fast or irregular heartbeat. Fatigue. Shortness of breath. How is left ventricular hypertrophy diagnosed?
What causes hypertrophy of the left ventricle?Left ventricular hypertrophy can occur when some factor makes your heart work harder than normal to pump blood to your body. Factors that can cause your heart to work harder include: High blood pressure (hypertension). This is the most common cause of left ventricular hypertrophy.
What does echocardiogram show left ventricular hypertrophy?Echocardiogram can reveal thickened muscle tissue in the left ventricle, blood flow through the heart with each beat, and heart abnormalities related to left ventricular hypertrophy, such as aortic valve stenosis. MRI. Images of your heart can be used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy.
What happens if left ventricular hypertrophy is left untreated?Left ventricular hypertrophy usually occurs as a result of other heart problems. Together, they can raise your risk of serious complications. Left untreated, LVH affects your heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. These changes increase your risk of other cardiac issues, including: Arrhythmia. Heart attack. Heart failure. Stroke.
How serious is left ventricular hypertrophy?Left untreated, LVH (and related underlying heart conditions) increases your risk of serious heart disease or even death. Treatment to slow or stop the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy lowers the risk of severe heart damage.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged left ventricle?What are the symptoms of LVH?. Shortness of breath.. Fatigue.. Chest pain (especially with exercise). Heart palpitations.. Dizziness or fainting.. What are the stages of left ventricular hypertrophy?This approach leads to a 4-tiered classification of LVH: (1) increased concentricity without increased LVEDV (“thick hypertrophy”); (2) increased LVEDV without increased concentricity (“dilated hypertrophy”); (3) increased concentricity with increased LVEDV (“both thick and dilated hypertrophy”); and (4) neither ...
Is left ventricular hypertrophy considered heart disease?Structural remodeling of the heart, referred to as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), is a critical consequence of systemic hypertension and the anatomical precursor of a spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities, which are collectively referred to as hypertensive heart disease.
|