Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Coronary Artery Calcifications: A Dangerous Duet?

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for premature morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries.¹ It is a common cause of cerebrovascular disease and a major contributor to the global burden of ischemic heart disease and heart failure.¹ Several cardiac alterations may be present in hypertensive patients, which include cardiac structural and functional changes (increased left ventricular [LV] mass, LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and impairment of coronary reserve), arrhythmias, and enlargement of left atrial and aortic root.² Within the array of such abnormalities, considerable attention has been paid to LV hypertrophy for its negative association with major cardiovascular events and survival.^3,4 LV hypertrophy, either diagnosed by ECG or echocardiography,^5,6 reflects a dangerous vicious circle characterized by endothelial dysfunction, intrinsic myocyte impairment, ischemia, myocardial fibrosis, and apoptosis.

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