Prevalence and predictors of left ventricular hypertrophy among hypertensive patients in Ghana: implications for cardiology practice

Abstract

Purpose and Background/Significance: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), common in hypertension and linked to higher morbidity and mortality, also occurs in other conditions. This study assesses the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of LVH in a Ghanaian cohort using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography, with a focus on hypertensive patients, to inform local practice guidelines for improved prevention and management. Methods: This study recruited 144 participants of whom 72 were hypertensive and 72 were non-hypertensive patients. Demographic characteristics were determined. Diagnostic criteria for LVH included electrocardiography (ECG) using the Sokolov-Lyon and Modified Cornell criteria, as well as 2-D echocardiography as the gold standard, was used to determine the prevalence of LVH in the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between LVH and variables of interest. The study employed other statistical tests and significance levels to draw meaningful conclusions. Results: Among 144 participants (72 hypertensives, 72 controls), LVH prevalence was significantly higher in hypertensives than in controls in both ECG (29.2% vs. 5.6%) and echocardiography (47.2% vs. 12.5%) (p < 0.001). Concentric hypertrophy was predominant among hypertensives (82.3%), whereas eccentric hypertrophy formed 77.8% of all LVH among controls.ECG showed limited sensitivity (39.2%) but high specificity (90.5%). Over 60% of hypertensives were either on an ACE or ARB, and 52.8% had blood pressure measured above 140/90mmHg. Exercise (OR = 7.93, p = 0.004) and fruit/vegetable intake (p = 0.009) were inversely associated with elevated LVMI. Reduced salt intake showed a protective trend. Conclusion: Echocardiography revealed a high burden of LVH, outperforming ECG. Concentric hypertrophy was predominant and linked to poor lifestyle habits. Findings underscore the need for routine echocardiography, lifestyle modification, optimized blood pressure control, and context-specific public health strategies to reduce LVH-related cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, especially in resource-limited settings. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2026 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.