LVH

lvh is an acronym that can refer to several concepts in different fields. The most widely recognized usage, typically written as LVH, stands for left ventricular hypertrophy, a medical condition in which the muscular wall of the heart’s left ventricle thickens.

Left ventricular hypertrophy commonly arises from long-standing high blood pressure (hypertension) or aortic valve stenosis, but it can also occur with certain cardiomyopathies. In some individuals, especially athletes, a physiologic form of LVH may develop as an adaptation to intense training. LVH itself may not produce symptoms, but it signals an increased workload on the heart and is associated with higher risks of heart failure, arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Diagnosis typically combines electrical and imaging assessments. Electrocardiography can indicate LVH using criteria such as the Sokolow-Lyon or Cornell voltage indexes, but imaging provides more definitive information. Echocardiography measures wall thickness and overall left ventricular mass, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offers precise assessment when greater accuracy is needed.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause and reducing left ventricular mass. This often involves controlling blood pressure through lifestyle measures and medications (for example, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics), addressing obesity or sleep apnea if present, and regular follow-up with imaging to monitor changes in LV mass.

Lowercase lvh is less standardized and may be used in informal writing to denote the same term or to stand for other, context-specific meanings. When encountered, the intended meaning should be inferred from surrounding text.