Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes after one to two-years' treatment of hypertension. Analyses of voltages (SV1+RV5), wall thickness, cavity, mass, and hemodynamics of the left ventricle.

Abstract

The changes of left ventricular anatomy and function following treatment with antihypertensive agents for 1-2 yr were studied by echocardiography in 34 pateints with hypertension whose blood pressures and ECG voltages (SV1 + RV5) were significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). The drugs administered or used were trichlormethiazide, .beta.-blockers, .alpha.-methyldopa, clonidine hydrochloride and guanethidine. Most patients received 2 or more of the above drugs. The interventricular septal thickness, the left ventricular posterior wall thickness, the calculated left ventricular mass and the atrial dimensions all decreased following treatment of hypertension for 1-2 yr (P < 0.001-0.05), and the ejection fraction improved (P < 0.001). Cardiac hypertrophy apparently is not irreversible in patients with hypertension if their blood pressure is adequately controlled.