The present paper provides a critical overview of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and structural changes of carotid arteries as surrogate end points for antihypertensive treatments. LVH is known to be associated with a number of pathophysiologic alterations underlying cardiovascular risk. The quantification of left ventricular mass is feasible and well standardized by echocardiography, even if the reproducibility of measurements is still limited. LVH has been clearly demonstrated to be an independent predictor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and recent data suggest that left ventricular geometric pattern and depressed myocardial function may represent additional risk factors. Although clinical trials have shown that an adequate blood pressure control can be associated with a significant reduction in left ventricular mass, the prognostic impact of LVH regression is still debated. Serial measurements of the carotid artery intima-media complex by B-mode ultrasound have been proposed as an accurate noninvasive approach for the evaluation of progression and regression of the atherosclerotic process over time. The methodology of measurement is not as well standardized as that of LVH, and the reproducibility of measurements is too close to the magnitude of structural changes over time. In addition, sounder data are required concerning the pathophysiologic relationship between carotid lesions and clinical events.

Keywords:
Left ventricular hypertrophy, Carotid artery intima-media, Cardiovascular risk
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
2001
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.