Left ventricular hypertrophy is an enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart, which can be caused by athletic training, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. It can lead to complications and is diagnosed with medical imaging studies. Treatment depends on the cause and may include regulating blood pressure or surgery.
Left ventricular hypertrophy is an enlargement of the myocardium in the left ventricle of the heart. The left ventricle is the pumping chamber of the heart that is responsible for pushing oxygenated blood into the aorta so it can circulate throughout the body. In patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, the heart has to work harder to do its job, which can lead to complications. Individuals with an enlarged left ventricle, for example, are at higher risk for a myocardial infarction or heart attack.
There are a number of things that can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. A common cause is actually athletic training, in which case the thickening is actually normal and not a cause for concern unless it develops to an unusual degree. Other causes may include chronic high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, which put extra strain on the heart and contribute to myocardial thickening. This condition can also be congenital, in which case it may or may not be associated with other abnormalities.
Some people with left ventricular hypertrophy have no symptoms. Others may find that they feel dizzy, short of breath, or pass out, or have irregular heartbeats and chest pain due to hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy can be diagnosed with echocardiography and other medical imaging studies. It is generally considered a symptom, rather than a condition on its own.
When a patient has left ventricular hypertrophy, the first step in treatment is to find out why, as this will impact the treatment approach. For example, if a patient is an athlete and is in good health, a doctor may determine that no action is needed. Conversely, those with high blood pressure need to regulate their blood pressure with diet, exercise, or medication. Addressing the cause should allow the thickening to resolve, returning the heart to a more normal state. It will also reduce other risks associated with the cause, such as kidney damage related to high blood pressure.
In an extreme case, surgical options for management can be explored. Sometimes damage to the aorta is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, in which case it needs to be repaired by a cardiovascular surgeon. Other surgical management options may also be proposed for the patient, depending on the cause. As always, patients should thoroughly explore their treatment options and associated risks before making a decision about which treatment is best for them.
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