Left ventricular hypertrophy is a common contributor to potentially serious heart complications, affecting an estimated 15% of the United States population. At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we help our diverse patient population address this and other heart care issues effectively and compassionately.
Your heart's left ventricle is its main chamber; it pumps oxygen-rich blood into the largest artery in the body, known as the aorta. If the heart exerts too much effort to pump blood, the left ventricle's muscles become thicker. This condition is called left ventricular hypertrophy.
Left ventricular hypertrophy reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. The condition can deprive the heart muscle of needed oxygen and result in abnormalities in the conduction system, causing heartbeat irregularities (arrhythmia).
Left ventricular hypertrophy commonly develops as a consequence of other cardiovascular conditions. Combined, they can heighten your risk of life-threatening health issues. Left untreated, it affects your heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. The inability to pump blood effectively raises the risk of serious heart problems, including the following:
Approximately one in five people suffer from left ventricular hypertrophy. You might have an elevated risk if you are obese, have high blood pressure, or are over 65. The African American population is also at increased risk compared to other ethnic and racial categories.
Generally, left ventricular hypertrophy occurs due to high blood pressure, known clinically as hypertension. Your heart works harder when you have high blood pressure, and the additional strain leads to the thickening of the left ventricle walls.
Though high blood pressure is the most common contributing factor, in some instances, aggressive exercise and intense physical training can cause the left ventricle walls to become thicker. However, exercise-related left ventricular hypertrophy won't require the same aggressive treatment often needed when high blood pressure is the cause.
Additional factors that contribute to elevated heart strain that can cause left ventricular hypertrophy include the following:
Mild cases are often symptomless. As the disease progresses, however, you might develop the following signs:
A standard heart screening can detect left ventricular hypertrophy regardless of symptoms. The most common tests include the following:
Addressing the primary cause of left ventricular hypertrophy can slow or stop the development of the disease. A variety of treatment options could be appropriate based on the cause, which might include:
If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health, please contact the team at CardioVascular Health Clinic for a full heart screening today.
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