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Age-dependent implications of left ventricular hypertrophy regression in patients with hypertension

Hypertension Research volume 47, pages 1144–1156 (2024)Cite this article

Abstract

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension. However, the effect of age on LVH regression or persistence and its differential prognostic value remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the clinical implications of LVH regression in 1847 patients with hypertension and echocardiography data (at baseline and during antihypertensive treatment at an interval of 6–18 months) according to age. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 115 g/m2 and >95 g/m2 in men and women, respectively. LVH prevalence at baseline was not different according to age (age < 65 years: 42.6%; age ≥65 years: 45.7%; p = 0.187), but LVH regression was more frequently observed in the younger group (36.4% vs. 27.5%; p = 0.008). Spline curves and multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between reductions in systolic blood pressure and LVMI in the younger group (β = 0.425; p < 0.001), but not the elderly group (β = 0.044; p = 0.308). LVH regression was associated with a lower risk of the study outcome (composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure) regardless of age. In conclusion, the association between the reduction in blood pressure and LVH regression was prominent in patients with age < 65 years, but not in those with age ≥65 years. However, an association between LVH regression and lower risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure was observed regardless of patient age, suggesting the prognostic value of the LVH regression not only in the younger patients but also in elderly patients.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Lia Ju, a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RDCS), and Eun-Ju Choi, a research nurse, for their dedication and support.

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  1. These authors contributed equally: In-Chang Hwang, Hyue Mee Kim

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea

    Hyun-Wook Chu, In-Chang Hwang, Jiesuck Park, Hyejung Choi, Hong-Mi Choi, Yeonyee E. Yoon & Goo-Yeong Cho

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

    In-Chang Hwang, Hong-Mi Choi, Yeonyee E. Yoon & Goo-Yeong Cho

  3. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea

    Hyue Mee Kim

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Chu, HW., Hwang, IC., Kim, H.M. et al. Age-dependent implications of left ventricular hypertrophy regression in patients with hypertension. Hypertens Res 47, 1144–1156 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-023-01571-w

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