What is Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH)?
Left ventricular hypertrophy, 或LVH, is a term for a heart’s left pumping chamber that has thickened 和 may not be pumping efficiently. Sometimes problems such as 主动脉瓣狭窄 or 高血压 overwork the heart muscle. In response to this pressure overload, the inner walls of the heart may respond by getting thicker. These thickened walls can cause the left ventricle to weaken, stiffen 和 lose elasticity, which may prevent healthy blood flow.
What are the symptoms of LVH?
LVH may be present for many years without any noticeable symptoms. As the condition worsens, 可能出现症状，例如:
- 呼吸急促（气促）
- 乏力
- Chest pain (especially with exercise)
- 心悸
- Dizziness or fainting
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your health care professional right away so that the problem can be identified 和 treated.
How is left ventricular hypertrophy related to other heart problems?
LVH usually happens as a result of other heart problems such as:
- 高血压
- 糖尿病
- Heart valve problems like stenosis or regurgitation
- Intensive athletic training
It's important to treat the causes of LVH early because it can lead to severe problems such as 心脏衰竭, 心脏骤停 和 缺血性中风.
LVH如何诊断?
Because LVH can develop silently over several years without symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose. 然而，一个例行公事 心电图 or 超声心动图 can usually diagnose LVH, even before symptoms become noticeable. 核磁共振成像 of the heart can also diagnose LVH.
What are the treatment options f或LVH?
LVH can often be corrected by treating the underlying problem causing the heart to work too hard. Depending on the type of damage that has occurred, treatment measures may include medications 和 heart-healthy lifestyle changes to help reduce the pressure in the heart. If LVH is caused by a heart valve problem, surgery may be needed to 修复 or 取代 阀门.
Visit our Support Network to talk with others 和 connect with our heart valve ambassadors. We are here to help 和 encourage you in reaching your treatment goals.
