Does left ventricular hypertrophy affect lifespan?

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), medically termed left ventricular hypertrophy, is an adaptive response of the heart to increased pressure load, such as that caused by long-term hypertension, aortic valve disease, or hereditary heart diseases. It leads to enlargement of cardiac muscle cells and thickening of the left ventricular wall. Whether left ventricular hypertrophy affects lifespan largely depends on the individual patient's condition and the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment.

1. Mild hypertrophy and normal cardiac function: If the left ventricular hypertrophy is only mild and cardiac function remains normal, it generally does not significantly affect lifespan. At this stage, controlling blood pressure, lifestyle modifications, and medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs can effectively prevent further progression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

2. Severe hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function: If left ventricular hypertrophy progressively worsens, especially when it becomes severe, cardiac function can be significantly compromised, potentially leading to severe heart failure. In such cases, treatment outcomes are usually poor, and the patient's lifespan may be significantly affected.