Left ventricular hypertrophy

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Risk factors for left ventricular hypertrophy include the following:

  • High blood pressure, a blood pressure reading greater than 140/90 mm Hg, is the greatest risk factor.
  • Aortic stenosis, narrowing of the main valve through which blood leaves the heart, may increase the left ventricle's work load.
  • Obesity can cause high blood pressure and increase your body's demand for oxygen — factors that require the left ventricle to work harder.
  • Coronary artery disease is the obstruction of arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. If your heart muscle isn't receiving enough blood, your heart responds by pumping more forcefully.

DS00680

May 2, 2008

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