Left ventricular hypertrophy: Effect on survival

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine whether left ventricular hypertrophy has an independent adverse effect on survival. Background Left ventricular hypertrophy is considered to be a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease mortality; however, the impact of coexisting coronary artery stenosis on survival statistics is not clear. Methods The relations among electrocardiographic (ECG) left ventricular hypertrophy, ST-T segment abnormality, coronary artery disease and survival were examined in 18,969 patients undergoing coronary arteriography between 1972 and 1985. Patients were excluded if they underwent coronary revascularization or had unstable angina, rheumatic or congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, pericardial disease or ECG changes other than left ventricular hypertrophy or repolarization abnormalities, leaving 4,824 patients for analysis. Results Left ventricular hypertrophy…