Left ventricular hypertrophy

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

The best way to help prevent left ventricular hypertrophy is to maintain healthy blood pressure. Here are a few tips to better manage your blood pressure:

  • Monitor high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, get a home blood pressure measuring device and check your blood pressure frequently. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor. The target for healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
  • Make time for exercise. Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five times a week. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to restrict certain physical activities, such as weightlifting, which may temporarily raise your blood pressure.
  • Watch your diet. Avoid foods that are high in fat and salt, and eat more fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, or drink them in moderation.
References
  1. Kaplan NM, et al. Clinical implications and treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  2. Maron BJ. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In: Libby P, et al., eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4106-1..50068-6--cesec3&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4106-1..50068-6--cesec4&uniq=181218300&isbn=978-1-4160-4106-1&sid=946756953. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  3. Atrial and ventricular enlargement. In: Goldberger Ary L. Clinical Electrocardiography: A Simplified Approach. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/181218300-7/0/1394/36.html?tocnode=51851133&fromURL=36.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-04038-1..50007-X--cesec4_66. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  4. Goldberger AL. Electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  5. Murashima M, et al. Hypertension. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00005-3--s0325&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00005-3--s0330&uniq=181218300&isbn=978-1-4160-6642-2&sid=946716787#lpState=open&lpTab=contentsTab&content=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00005-3--sc0070%3Bfrom%3Dtoc%3Btype%3DbookPage%3Bisbn%3D978-1-4160-6642-2. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  6. Domino FJ. Overview of hypertension in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  7. Aortic valve stenosis (AS) and aortic insufficiency (AI). American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1659. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  8. Cannon CP, et al. Approach to the patient with chest pain. In: Libby P, et al., eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4106-1..50052-2&uniq=159657875&isbn=978-1-4160-4106-1&sid=887271424. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  9. Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 16, 2010.
DS00680 May 1, 2010

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