Independent Influence of Overweight and Obesity on the Regression of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients: A Meta-analysis

Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the role of overweight and obesity in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of hypertensive patients is controversial. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to evaluate the influence of overweight and obesity on LVH regression in the hypertensive population. Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials comprising 2403 hypertensive patients (mean age range: 43.8–66.7 years) were identified. Three groups were divided according to body mass index: normal weight, overweight, and obesity groups. Compared with the normal-weight group, LVH regression in the overweight and obesity groups was more obvious with less reduction of systolic blood pressure after antihypertensive therapies (P < 0.001). The renin–angiotensin system inhibitor was the most effective in regressing LVH in overweight and obese hypertensive patients (19.27 g/m(2), 95% confidence interval [15.25, 23.29], P < 0.001), followed by β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. In the stratified analysis based on blood pressure measurement methods and age, more significant LVH regression was found in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) group and in relatively young patients (40–60 years’ old) group (P < 0.01). Overweight and obesity are independent risk factors for LVH in hypertensive patients. Intervention at an early age and monitoring by ABPM may facilitate therapy-induced LVH regression in overweight and obese hypertensive patients.