1. What is LV Mass Index (LVMI)?

Definition: LVMI (Left Ventricular Mass Index) is a measurement that adjusts left ventricular mass for body size by dividing it by body surface area (BSA).

Purpose: It helps cardiologists assess whether the heart's left ventricle is abnormally enlarged (hypertrophied) relative to the patient's body size.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two formulas:

Where:

• \( LVMI \) — Left ventricular mass index (g/m²)
• \( LVM \) — Left ventricular mass (grams, g)
• \( BSA \) — Body surface area (square meters, m²)
• \( Height \) — Patient height in centimeters
• \( Weight \) — Patient weight in kilograms

Explanation: First calculates BSA using the Mosteller formula, then divides LVM by BSA to get the indexed value.

3. Clinical Importance of LVMI

Details: LVMI is crucial for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy, which is associated with hypertension, aortic stenosis, and athletic heart syndrome.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the left ventricular mass in grams (from echocardiography or MRI), height in cm, and weight in kg. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal LVMI values?
A: Typically: Men ≤ 115 g/m², Women ≤ 95 g/m². Values above suggest hypertrophy.

Q2: How is LVM measured?
A: Usually via echocardiography using the ASE formula: 0.8 × (1.04[(IVSd + LVIDd + PWd)³ - LVIDd³]) + 0.6 g.

Q3: Why use BSA instead of weight alone?
A: BSA better correlates with metabolic demands and cardiac workload than weight alone.

Q4: What's the Mosteller formula?
A: A simple, accurate BSA calculation: √(height × weight / 3600), where height is in cm and weight in kg.

Q5: When is LVMI most useful?
A: For assessing cardiac hypertrophy in patients with hypertension, athletes, and those with valvular disease.