Enlarged Heart

[bubba110]

Hi,
I am a 39 yr. old male who has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart. So far testing has not shown an underlying cause for the enlargement. I do have symptoms of dizzines and shortness of breath but the cardiologist said it's not from my heart. He has suggested seeing a neurologist because he thinks I might be having seizures. From what I've read on symptoms of an enlarged heart, the dizziness and shortness of breath are symptoms of an enlarged heart. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Denis

[bubba110]

Thanks for replying. The cardiologist did recommend that I see a neurologist. I will post more after I get my numbers and my echo. Hopefully, it will be something that can be contolled. Many relatives of mine have passed away due to some cardiac disease or another.
Thanks,
Denis

[kenkeith]

Stress cardiomyopathy (enlarged left ventricle) can easily be mistaken for a heart problem. Symptoms may nclude chest pain, shortness of breath, congestive heart failure, and low blood pressure (low blood preessure can result in dizziness).

Although there is some similarity with a heart condition  due to blockages and blood clots forming in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply the heart with blood. If these clots cut off the blood supply to the heart for a long enough period of time, heart muscle cells can die, leaving the heart with permanent and irreversible damage. This is completely different from what is seen with stress cardiomyopathy.

The tests you have taken may not reveal any direct etiology, stress cardiomyopathy is related to a neurological disorder and the stress and strain to the heart can remodel the left ventricle, etc.

[bubba110]

madjilp,
Thanks for replying. I don't have the numbers in front of me but will be getting copies of the Thallium Stress Test. The cardiologist said that for my size, my heart was large. I'm about 5'10" and weigh about 180 lbs. I'd say I have a medium frame. I don't smoke, never did, and used to race BMX bicycles til my 20's. He said that might have attributed to it but wants me to get the echo. I still think my symptoms of dizziness and shortness of breath at times are related to my heart but he's the specialist. My birth father died at age 36 from cardiogenic shock due to dilated cardiomyopathy. He was a heavy drinker. Another strange symptom is the fact that my platelets keep decreasing. On my next visit, my question will be is my heart pushing on my spleen causing the spleen to function imporperly. I'll post numbers when I get them.
Thanks again,
Denis

[madjlp]

What tests did they use to diagnose you?  Do you know what numbers have been recorded - ie - heart weight, LV measurement, ejection fraction etc?  If they diagnosed it through an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI then thats one thing, but if they just made the diagnosis off a chest xray that is another.  There's also a huge difference bewteen slightly enlarged and severely enlarged and also the relative size of your heart to your body height/weight etc.  If you have some numbers I think there are several people on the site who can give you some guidance or at least give you insight from their own similar situations.  It bodes well that your cardiologist isn't too worried about your heart.  Take care