Background: Different formulae and partition values define left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using echocardiography. This diagnostic systematic review investigates further various formulae and cut-points and their predictive potential.

Methods: Searches of Medline, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, reference lists and conference proceedings were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using Meta-test version 0.6 and Epi-info statistical programs. Studies included cohort studies or randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of hypertensive persons where baseline LVH was measured and clinical outcome ascertained.

Results: 24 studies were identified that included subjects with outcomes such as all-cause mortality, cardiac death, non-fatal cardiovascular (CV) events and/or stroke. Of 10 studies assessing all-cause mortality, 6 were analyzed with the combined relative risk (RR), sensitivity and specificity values being 2.10 (95% CI 1.79-3.24), 57% and 68% respectively.

Conclusion: LVH is associated with an approximate two fold increased risk for all-cause mortality.