What is Left Ventricular Hypertrophy?

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition in which the left ventricle of the heart is enlarged. The condition is particularly serious, since the left ventricle serves as the main pumping chamber of the heart. This type of heart problem can develop over time and can lead to heart failure if not corrected.

There are several causes for left ventricular hypertrophy. One of the most common is high blood pressure. An unhealthy increase in blood pressure causes the heart to work harder, which in turn will cause the muscle tissue in the left ventricle to enlarge. At the same time, the walls of the ventricle will lose elasticity, making it harder for the heart to pump with the amount of force needed to regulate the flow of blood through the body.

The symptoms associated with the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy include intermittent pain in the chest, occasional dizziness, an inability to breathe normally after light exertion, and a general sense of fatigue. When left untreated, the health risks include heart attacks, aortic valve regurgitation, the enlargement of other sections of the heart, and even complete heart failure.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat both the underlying causes and the hypertrophy to the left ventricle itself. Medication and lifestyle changes to regulate blood pressure will ease the strain on the heart muscles and stop any further enlargement of the left ventricle. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can often be employed with an eye toward lowering blood pressure while also dilating blood vessels. Beta blockers along with channel blockers may also prove effective in regulating blood pressure and easing stress on the heart.

Lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms of left ventricle hypertrophy include eating balanced diet in order to avoid excessive amounts of fat and cholesterol, as well as to ensure that nutrients that promote a healthy heart are ingested each day. Physical activity such as walking or biking may also be recommended, depending on the general health of the patient. A doctor can provide anyone with this form of ventricular hypertrophy with a diet and exercise plan that is right for his or her situation.

In situations where the progress of the left ventricular hypertrophy is pronounced, surgery may be the best option to restore health. Often, replacement of the enlarged ventricle is managed by using a harvested ventricle from a cadaver, or replacing the human valve with an artificial model. Most physicians consider the use of surgery to replace the ventricle and any valves damaged by the condition to be appropriate only when all other treatment options have been employed and the patient is still encountering a great deal of distress.