Hypertension: left ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular ectopy, and sudden death.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been identified as a significant risk factor for future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. LVH and its sequelae such as myocardial ischemia, impaired filling and contractility, ventricular arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure can be reduced by specific antihypertensive agents. Future clinical trials will determine whether a reduction of LVH will ultimately improve its inherent ominous prognosis.