Recent data suggest that echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Based upon application of sex-specific echocardiographic criteria for LV hypertrophy, the clinical characteristics of 863 subjects with and 4097 subjects without LV hypertrophy are examined. Subjects with LV hypertrophy are older, more obese, have higher blood pressure, and are more likely to have pre-existing coronary artery disease. In addition subjects with LV hypertrophy have a higher prevalence of reduced echocardiographic fractional shortening. We conclude that subjects with echocardiographic LV hypertrophy are at high risk for cardiovascular disease complications by virtue of their clinical profile. Additional investigation of the benefits of therapeutic interventions directed toward the prevention or regression of LV hypertrophy is warranted.