Cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress: a leap of faith or stark reality?

It is well known that cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, valvular dysfunction, and myocardial infarction are associated with cardiac hypertrophy, which is itself an independent risk factor for sudden death. Less certain, however, is the identity of the molecular mechanisms involved in the hypertrophic process. The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of diseases like hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes is becoming increasingly well established. In contrast, the involvement of oxidative stress in the development of cardiac hypertrophy is more controversial, though with the evidence now available this concept does not require the great leap of faith once envisaged.