Enlarged heart on ekg but normal on chest xray

[marcheart356]

Hello over the last 4 months ive been getting enlarge heart findings on my ekgs but when the doctors do a chest xray or a pulmonary chest ct my heart size is normal ...can anyone tell me what this means ?im going in for an eco on monday but im kinda of neverous...my ecos and stresss test have always been normal but my drinking problem has gotten worse the past year and now im getting these findings ...can anyone tell me why i have a normal size heart on xray but enlarged on ekgs ...thanks!!

[kenkeith]

Q: "Hello over the last 4 months ive been getting enlarge heart findings on my ekgs but when the doctors do a chest xray or a pulmonary chest ct my heart size is normal ...can anyone tell me what this means".

An EKG reprsentation of a heart condtion other than heart rhythm disorders require further clinical evidence and corrolation with symptoms.  Chest x-ray should have provided an image sufficient to make a diagnosis...but sometimes there is a technology problem, arifact, etc.  However, a chest x-ray will represent  normal heart size, shape, and the heart tissue appearance as well. There should be a representation of blood vessels leading to and from the heart is also evaluated.

Unforunately, excessive alcohol drinking can cause a dilated cardiomyopathy.  My understanding it takes years of  heavy drinking and alchohol will damage heart cells. My heart was dialated 7 years ago due to inhaling toxic substance and that weakened my heart contractions. Effective treatment with medication returned my heart to normal size and functionality, and currently my heart functionality is normal as well.

Thanks for sharing and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond. Stay in touch, take care,

Ken

[ed34]

Different technologies basically, working in different ways can have different effects. If you have dense tissue for example, this can distort images. I trust more in ultrasound for dimensions because the operator is able to adjust the angle of the transmitter/receiver and the intensity of the beams to obtain a clear image.
With x-ray there are many things which can give a false reading, including how deep your breath was, or if you didn't hold your breath properly. So, I wouldn't be too concerned over x-ray, this is just something which points the way to further testing to re-check a possible issue.

[marcheart356]

so ed the ct scan findings of normal sized heart demensions dont hold  an signifcants?just curious why they do these test at all shouldnt they just do ultrasounds...because im confused about the difference!

[ed34]

I would just sit tight until the Ultrasound is done. This will be the most accurate of the tests and the dimensions can easily be established once and for all.