LVH
Left ventricular hypertrophy LVH is a condition in which the lower-left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) grows abnormally thick. This may happen in response to an underlying condition that causes an abnormal strain on the hearts main pumping chamber. LVH is frequently seen with PKD. It is the leading cause of death for PKD'rs. Our kidneys sometimes lose functioning but it is the heart, or left ventricular hypertrophy LVH that kills us. It can happen at any age but might be seen in males as early as their early 40's. It can be diagnosed with a chest x-ray, MRI, 2D echo, or EKG of the heart. The 2D echo looks specifically at heart muscle and how it contracts. This is one way that LVH may begin. PKD'rs with good blood pressure control, in the absence of any other underlying illnesses, may never see LVH manifest. Most commonly, the underlying condition that contributes to LVH formation is high blood pressure, and the resulting LVH can often be controlled or even improved with blood pressure medication (antihypertensives).
