Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a condition in which the lower-left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) grows abnormally thick. This may happen in response to an underlying condition that causes an abnormal strain on the heart’s main pumping chamber. Most commonly, the underlying condition is high blood pressure, and the resulting LVH can often be controlled or even improved with blood pressure medication (antihypertensives). Other underlying conditions include valvular heart disease and coronary artery disease. The risk of developing LVH increases with age.

Whichever condition is present, treatment focuses on the underlying disease process to prevent or even reverse the thickening and/or enlargement of the left ventricle. Treatment is important because LVH increases the risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The best strategies for preventing LVH are to control blood pressure, weight and blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes. The symptoms of LVH will vary depending on the underlying cause. Since the condition tends to develop slowly, there may be little or no symptoms of LVH.

“Enlarged heart” is a broad term used to describe enlargement seen on a chest x-ray. LVH refers strictly to thickening and an increase in the mass of the heart muscle, and it may or may not be associated with enlargement.