Left ventricular hypertrophy in black and white hypertensives: standard electrocardiographic criteria overestimate racial differences in prevalence
Article Abstract:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) may not be the most accurate way to detect an enlarged heart in blacks who have hypertension. Longstanding hypertension can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), or enlargement of the heart's left ventricle, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Of 270 hypertensive patients at eight employee screening clinics, 122 were black and 148 were white. An ECG showed that two to six times as many blacks had LVH as whites, but an echocardiogram, which is more accurate in detecting LVH, showed little difference in the prevalence of LVH between whites and blacks. Many blacks identified by ECG as having LVH may in fact have normal hearts. Although an echocardiogram is more expensive than an ECG, it would eliminate these false positives.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Regression of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy and decreased incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertension
Article Abstract:
Trials were conducted to test the hypothesis that in-treatment regression or continued absence of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) during antihypertensive therapy is associated with a decreased incidence of atrial fibrillation, independent of blood pressure and treatment modality. It was concluded that antihypertensive therapy targeted at regression or prevention of electrocardiographic LVH may reduce the incidence of new-onset AF.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2006
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Regression of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy during antihypertensive treatment and the prediction of major cardiovascular events
Article Abstract:
The hypothesis that lesser severity of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LHV) during antihypertensive treatment is associated with decreased cardiovascular (CV) mortality, independent of blood pressure levels and reduction and treatment modality is tested. Electrocardiographic LVH is a strong predictor of CV morbidity and mortality.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2004
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