Left ventricular hypertrophy. A crucial target for antihypertensive therapy.

The development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one way that the heart compensates for the hemodynamic burden of sustained hypertension. However, this adaptation itself contributes to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this article, Dr Messerli describes the causes and consequences of LVH and discusses the current therapeutic approach to patients with the condition.