Abstract

In hypertensives, left ventricular hypertrophy predicts increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Adding to this burden is abnormality of left ventricular (LV) geometry. Knowledge of the left ventricular geometric patterns in our newly diagnosed hypertensives may have some prognostic significance. One hundred (100) newly diagnosed hypertensives (61males and 39 females) and 78 normotensives (46 males and 32 females) were recruited for the study. All were clinically evaluated and an echocardiographic examination performed. Mean ages for the study subjects and controls were 51.40 ±11.60 and 51.50 ±11.50 years respectively (P = 0.47). Only 24% of the hypertensives had normal geometry with 76% being abnormal. Normal geometry was found in 63% of the controls with 37% being abnormal. Statistical significance was noticed when the geometric patterns of the hypertensive and controls were compared (p value < 0.001). This study showed that only 24% of our hypertensives had normal LV geometric pattern at diagnosis while over 35% of the controls had abnormal geometry. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to control hypertension should be taken with all seriousness.

Key words: Hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, geometry, adults, Nigerians.