Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension--does it reduce cardiovascular risk?

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor. Left ventricular mass reduction following anti-hypertensive treatment has also been demonstrated. However, few prospective and systematic clinical trials have analyzed whether regression of LVH is associated with improved prognosis. Two recently published LIFE substudies consistently show that the greater the reduction of LVH, assessed by ECG or by echocardiography in the setting of a prospective trial of anti-hypertensive treatment, the greater the reduction in cardiovascular event rates, independent of treatment modality and of decreases in blood pressure. These results support LVH regression as a therapeutic target in hypertension.