Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

I was diagnosed with left ventricular hypertrophy on an echocardiogram in Jan. of 2010.  I am age 60. The ejection fraction was estimated at 75%.  The conclusions on the cardiologist report were left ventricular hypertrophy with ejc.Fraction of 75%, beginning stage of diastolic dysfunction, normal chamber sizes. Trace mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. I do have high blood pressure and take Lotrel 10/20 and hydrochlorthiazide 25mg.  My question is whether or not this conditon can be improved with better blood pressure control.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Probably not, but the response may vary from one patient to another.  We typically don't see much of a change in general.  If this is all high blood pressure related, I assume that you've had high BP for at least 5 to 10 years or so.  If not, there is also another condition called hypetrophic cardiomyopathy which tends to run in the families.  It is a genetic defect that causes the heart to abnormally enlarge and it requires careful evaluation and follow up.  There may also be an outflow track obstrutction which should be ruled out during echo testing.  I am not sure if the amlodipine portion of the lotrel is the best drug for you now.  I would recommend an ace inhibitor (the second part of lotrel) combined with a beta blocker.  

[golftye]

Thankyou for your response. I wanted to mention that I also had a nuclear adenosine stress test in July of 2010. I had just started taking metoprolol at bedtime in addition to the lotrel and hyrochlorthiazide.  The cardiologist said to take it the night before the test since It was an adenosine test instead of treadmill testing.  The conclusions of the Dr. were ejection fraction of 49% after administration of adenosine and no abnormal segmental wall motion abnormalities. There were no significant ST segment depressions, and no chest pain with adenosine.  My question is the 49% ejection fraction compared to the 75% ejection fraction on the echo  in Janurary.  I was not taking a beta blocker when the echo was done.  Could that be a possible explanation for the decrease in ejection fraction during the nuclear adenosine test?

[Cleveland Clinic]

No, there is typically a large discrepancy between echo and nuclear imaging.  The echo is much more accurate.