Regression of left ventricular mass in systemic hypertension.

The importance of treatment in systemic hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been established. Although systemic hypertension is the most important factor in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy, other factors such as catecholamines and renin-angiotensin system may be involved. Increased left ventricular mass causes reduction in coronary reserve and may lead to acute ischemic events. Equally efficacious antihypertensive agents may have diverse effects on left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular function. New tomographic techniques with improved spatial resolution are emerging in the evaluation of left ventricular mass and may therefore provide better assessment of changes in left ventricular mass. With improved measures of left ventricular mass the question as to whether regression of left ventricular mass provides an additional benefit beyond control of blood pressure in hypertensive individuals may be finally answered.