What does left ventricular hypertrophy indicate about heart function?

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a condition characterized by the thickening of the heart's left ventricular walls. It often indicates that the heart is under stress due to factors such as high blood pressure, aortic stenosis, or other conditions that increase the workload of the left ventricle. When the heart faces increased pressure or volume load, it compensates by growing thicker muscle tissue to manage the demands placed on it.

This compensatory mechanism is not optimal and does not signify that the heart is functioning well. In fact, while LVH can initially help maintain cardiac output, over time it can lead to adverse outcomes, including heart failure and arrhythmias. Therefore, LVH serves as a warning sign of increased strain on the heart, highlighting that it is not operating under optimal conditions. Recognizing LVH is crucial in the assessment of cardiovascular health, as it allows healthcare professionals to identify and address the underlying causes of the stress affecting heart function.