How does left ventricular hypertrophy affect the heart's performance?

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) involves an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle. This thickening usually occurs as a compensatory response to increased stress or pressure on the heart, such as from hypertension or aortic stenosis. Over time, the adaptations that initially help maintain cardiac function can lead to detrimental effects.

As the heart muscle thickens, it can initially increase contractility, but this benefit diminishes as the heart struggles to maintain efficient performance. The hypertrophied muscle may become stiffer and less compliant, impairing the heart's ability to fill properly during diastole, which can ultimately lead to heart failure. The increased muscle mass means that the heart requires more oxygen to sustain its activity, contributing to a potential decline in overall performance and efficiency.

In the context of this question, the impact of LVH on heart performance aligns with the understanding that sustained hypertrophy can lead to heart failure over time as the heart becomes overworked and less effective at pumping blood. This process can eventually result in symptoms typical of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.