After a physician has obtained the patient’s full medical history and given the patient a physical examination, several tests may be ordered to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Typically, physicians use one of the following tests:

• Electrocardiogram. This test measures the electrical activity that occurs when the heart contracts. To obtain this information, electrodes are placed on various points on a patient’s body. The electrical activity is recorded on a paper print-out for analysis. LVH produces abnormal electrical activity on an electrocardiogram.
  
  
• Echocardiogram. This test used sound waves that bounce off the heart to produce moving images on a screen. An echocardiogram can measure the thickness of the heart wall and can detect other conditions that may have caused LVH. An echocardiogram is more sensitive in detecting LVH and can usually confirm a diagnosis and rule out a related condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular abnormalities.  

Treatment of LVH depends on the underlying cause of the condition. It can often be controlled or even improved with blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers. Some studies suggest that ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are more effective in reducing the heart’s size than other types of blood pressure medications, such as diuretics.

If hypertension is the cause, physicians may also recommend weight loss and reduced salt intake.

If one or more leaky valves (valvular regurgitation) are present, this condition may also require treatment, such as an aortic valve replacement.

LVH may develop as a result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This genetic condition causes partial or complete thickening of the heart, which can interfere with blood flow. Severe cardiomyopathy may require surgery to remove a portion of the thickened wall.

In all cases, reducing the degree of LVH has been associated with a decreased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including arrhythmia, congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease.