Left ventricular geometry and severe left ventricular hypertrophy in children and adolescents with essential hypertension

Abstract

Background - Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy has been established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults. Recent research has refined this relationship by determining a cutpoint of 51 g/m2.7 for LV mass index indicative of increased risk and defining LV geometric patterns that are associated with increased risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate severe LV hypertrophy and LV geometry in children and adolescents with essential hypertension. Methods and Results - A cross- sectional study of young patients (n=130) with persistent blood pressure elevation above the 90th percentile was conducted. Nineteen patients (14%) had LV mass greater than the 99th percentile; 11 of these were also above the adult cutpoint of 51 g/m2.7. Males, subjects with greater body mass index, and those who had lower heart rate at maximum exercise were at significantly (P