There is considerable controversy concerning myocardial performance in hypertrophied states. Data derived from in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as available information in human studies suggest that ventricular function is depressed as a result of hypertrophy (Spann et al., 1967(Spann et al., , 1969Bing et al., 1971;Frohlich et al., 1971;Spann et al., 1972;Gunning et al., 1973;Alpert et al., 1974;Mehmel et al., 1975). However, more recent animal experiments suggest that performance is normal in the absence of overt congestive heart failure (Gamble et al., 1973;Malik et al., 1974;Pfeffer et al., 1976;Sasayama et al., 1976
MethodsThe study group consisted of 9 men and 9 women ranging in age from 21 to 72 years (mean=48). Of these patients, 8 were black, 4 Mexican-American, and 6 Caucasian. At the time of study, most patients were receiving treatment for high blood pressure. However, no patient was receiving a digitalis glycoside, reserpine, or guanethidine. Other treatment is detailed in the