Echo results and LVH

[Toneman]

Just a quick question about my last echo. I just received my echo results yesterday, my first echo since MAR 06. Everything was good, EF 62% Up from 55% last year), normal wall motion, only trace tricuspid valve leakage and the diastolic disfunction from last year was gone. The only issue was a new diagnosis for LVH with a measurement of 1.2 cm. The reason I had the echo last year was to get the OK to start an aerobic exercise routine, 45 minutes & 500 calorie burn per day on a treadmill which I have followed faithfully for 13 months along with dietary changes and have lost over 60 pounds. I have two questions;

1. I thought I read that exercise can cause LVH, could this be the cause?
2. What is the normal measurement for the LV wall? I have read 1.2cm, 1.3cm and 1.5cm,confusing. My echo in 06 did not give a measurement so for all I know it only went up a very small amount, just enough to push me over.

I am a 48 year old male, still 40 pounds overweight, non smoker, controlled blood pressure and cholesterol and no family history.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tony

[Forum-M.D.-ppb]

1.  Exercise can cause LVH only in athletes.  Typically, you have to be an advanced athlete.  Other causes of LVH include high blood pressure, aortic valve stenosis or a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  The last one typically runs in the family.    

2.  It depends on the wall, typically greater than 1.2 cm is considered abnormal, however, that has to be adjusted for age, sex and height.  Therefore, a tall male could have a septum that is slightly greater than 1.2 cm.  

As long as your blood pressure and cholesterol are well controlled you will do well.  Continue to exercise and try to lose weight.  You are on the right track.

[Toneman]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that these echos were done by two different imaging facilities as my Cardiologist changed services. Could that have anything to do with the different standards? Also, is it also something that can occur naturally as we age?

Thanks

[tickertock]

I know exactly what you mean about being confusing, I had a diagnosis of marginal/borderline LVH in 2001 with an IVS of 12mm, in 2005 it was 14mm, described as mild. I used to suffer with mild hypertension for years , now very controlled. I've seen normal values as 7 to11mm and 8 to 12mm. I think your measurement would be considered marginal/ borderline(basically the upper limit of normal) what might be normal for you would be not necessarily be normal for another perosn(ie small person). The good news is your overall appears to be within the normal limits. I'm not a medical doctor, this is just my understanding after doing alot of reasearch regarding my LVH. Good luck. I need to drop 35-40 lbs myself.

[Toneman]

Thanks for the input, I also read that what is normal for one person may not be normal for another. I and not a small person, but also not a very large one either. I am 6'1" and have always had a large build, and was very athletic until I injured my knee 15 years ago, that's when the weight started coming on. Like you said, confusing. I'm hoping the doctor can clear some of this up. The PA for the Cardiologist said it was nothing to worry about and I can ask any questions when I see the Cardiologist for my follow up. Only problem is I can't get in for 5 weeks!.

Tony

[tickertock]

I'm 5' 9" 205 lbs. solidly built myself , I should not be no more than 160-165 lbs according to BMI, but my cardiologist said this doesn't apply to everyone and that 175 -180 lbs would be acceptable for me. Will be interesting to see the Forum's Doc reply.

[jennifer2775]

Hi..I am 32 years old and other than being somewhat overweight (which I am working on losing), I am otherwise pretty healthy..About one month ago  I was having palpitations (PVC's), and had a "stress test" which was normal and all my lab work was normal---I was referred to have an echocardiogram and my doctor called me with the results yesterday:

EJECTION FRACTION 61%
FIBROSIS OF THE AOTRIC & MITRAL VALVE
LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY
TRICUSPID VALVE INSUFFICIENCY

I am concerned with these results and if anyone has any input please let me know.  I have been on a pretty intense workout regimen for the past 8 months with a trainer and have lost 45 lbs....and have more to lose.  I was told that with LVH it could be caused by hypertension or possibly sleep apnea, which I have had two episodes within the last year or so, BUT maybe I am experiencing it more & I just dont realize it....
IF ANYONE HAS ANY THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I AM VERY WORRIED AND ANYTHING CAN BE HELPFUL TO ME.
MY DR DIDNT SEEM TO ALARMED, BUT WOULD LIKE ME TO SEE THE CARDIOLOGIST THIS WEEK.
THANKS  

[Leeno]

[Michaelccc]

doctors response to toneman is that mild lvh  1.2 cm would only be caused by
a. super atheletes
b. hypertension
c. genetic cardiomypathy
d. aortic valve stenosis

i'm very confused . toneman does not have any one of these it seems , correct me if i'm wrong there.   i'm in the same situation  mine also measures at 1.2
i am not an athlete. i used to exersize up until 2 years ago, never too much though i do not have hypertension, i have not been told i have cardiomyphathy, and i don't have aortic valve stenosis
so what is the deal here? why would i have even mild lvh then? no one seems to be able to answer this. everyone says what causes lvh . but i don't have any of these and it seems that neither does toneman or many other posters on this site with a similar concern. any ideas??