All patients underwent echocardiographic examinations (Siemens Acuson C256, Mountain view, California 2000 with 3V2c transducer probe) by the same operator and left ventricular mass was calculated according to the Devereux formula and indexed to body surface area to give LVMI (g/m2). Left ventricular mass index values greater than 130g/m2 (n: 57) were defined as high left ventricular mass.