Left ventricular hypertrophy

Diagnosis

To diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy, a healthcare professional examines you and asks questions about your symptoms and family's health history. The care professional checks your blood pressure and listens to your heart with a device called a stethoscope.

Tests

Tests used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy may include:

• Lab tests. Blood and urine tests may be done to check for conditions that affect heart health. Tests may be done to check blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and liver and kidney function.
• Electrocardiogram. Also called an ECG or EKG, this quick and painless test shows how the heart is beating. During an ECG, sticky patches with sensors on them go on the chest and sometimes the arms or legs. Wires connect the sensors to a machine. The machine displays or prints results. Your care professional can look for signal patterns that suggest thickened heart muscle tissue.
• Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to make pictures of the beating heart. This test shows blood flow through the heart and heart valves. It can show thickened heart muscle tissue and heart valve changes related to left ventricular hypertrophy.
• Heart MRI. This test, also called a cardiac MRI, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart.

Treatment

Treatment for left ventricular hypertrophy depends on the cause. Treatment may include:

• Medicines.
• Heart procedure.
• Surgery.

It's important to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea, which can cause blood pressure to be higher.

Medications

Medicines are used to treat symptoms and prevent complications of left ventricular hypertrophy. The type of medicine used depends on the cause of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Medicines may include:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Also called ACE inhibitors, these medicines widen blood vessels to lower blood pressure. They can improve blood flow and lessen the strain on the heart. Side effects include a cough that lasts.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers. Also called ARBs, these medicines have benefits like those of ACE inhibitors. But they don't cause a cough.
• Beta blockers. These medicines help slow the heart rate. They also help the heart move blood with less force.
• Calcium channel blockers. These medicines relax the heart muscle and widen blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure.
• Water pills, also called diuretics. These help reduce fluid buildup in the body, lowering blood pressure.

Surgery or other procedures

Left ventricular hypertrophy that is caused by aortic valve stenosis might need a procedure or surgery to repair or replace the valve.

Surgery or other procedures may be needed to treat underlying conditions such as:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Surgery may be done if the condition causes heart failure symptoms or a blockage that affects the heart's pumping action.
• Amyloidosis. If other treatments don't work, a stem cell transplant may be needed. Treatment for amyloidosis is available at some clinics.

Together you and your care team can make a treatment plan for you.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Try these steps:

• Eat healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and good fats, such as olive oil. Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, salt and saturated fat. Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added foods. Don't add salt to your meals.
• Don't smoke or use tobacco. Quitting is the best way to lower the risk of heart disease and its complications. If you need help quitting, talk with your healthcare team.
• Limit or don't use alcohol. Alcohol can raise blood pressure, especially if used in large amounts. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit how often you drink and keep the amount small. For overall health, drink one or fewer drinks a day. Do not drink every day. The less you drink, the better.
• Stay active and get regular exercise. Exercise helps lower blood pressure. With your healthcare team's OK, try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Some sports or exercises can briefly raise blood pressure. Talk with your care team about the amount and type of exercise that's right for you.
• Manage weight. If you are overweight or have obesity, losing just a few pounds can help lower blood pressure. Weight loss may help reverse left ventricular hypertrophy. Ask your healthcare team what weight is right for you.
• Manage stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. Some tips are to get more exercise, practice mindfulness and connect with others in support groups.

Preparing for your appointment

You may be sent to a doctor trained in heart conditions. This type of healthcare professional is called a cardiologist.

What you can do

• Write down your symptoms. Include any that may not seem related to the reason you scheduled the appointment.
• Make a list of all your medicines, vitamins and supplements. Include the dosages.
• Write down important medical information, including other conditions you have.
• Write down important personal information. Include any recent life changes or stressors in your life.
• Write down questions to ask your healthcare team.
• Find out if your family has a history of heart disease.
• Ask someone to come with you to help you remember what the care professional says.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need? How do I get ready for them?
• What types of treatments do I need?
• How should I change my diet or activities?
• I have other health conditions. How can I manage these conditions together?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional 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:

• What are your symptoms?
• When did the symptoms start?
• Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
• Do you have chest pain or fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeats?
• Do you have dizziness? Have you ever fainted?
• Have you had trouble breathing?
• Does exercise or lying down make your symptoms worse?
• Have you ever coughed up blood?
• Do you have a history of high blood pressure or rheumatic fever?
• Do you have a family history of heart conditions?
• Do you smoke or did you ever smoke?
• Do you use alcohol or caffeine?

Living with left ventricular hypertrophy?

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