Left ventricular hypertrophy is normally caused by a chronic increase in systemic blood pressure. It may also be seen with sudden or rapid weight gain. The thickening of the ventricular wall due to increased afterload from elevated vascular resistance can be viewed as adaptive protection up to a point. Beyond minor wall thickening, left ventricular hypertrophy is a strong predictor of serious cardiovascular risk. During heavy lifting, systemic blood pressure is increase from what is called the valsalva maneuver.
Pressure also increases due to blood vessels being occluded by contracting muscles.
Any evidence of CLVH in strength athletes or bodybuilders was seen as a sign of anabolic steroid use. Although it was shown that those using anabolics showed significantly more ventricular thickening, at least one drug free athlete was beyond the 13mm limit. Please send us your feedback on this article. Copyright 2001 Meso-Rx. All rights reserved.