LVH Enlarged heart

[Brandok]

Hello !

I am 22 years old and I am having anxiety issues for about two years. I really wanted to know if my heart was a problem so I went to see a cardiologist.

The EKG was OK, but the echo was not. He told me that I got an enlarged heart (about 20% of the normal size), and a LVH. So I got to take a MRI in April.

My main concern is that I'm out of the blue, I don't know what is the cause neither my cardiologist. I have stopped smoking (I was barely hitting a pack a week), and totally alcohol (Drinking maybe 2-3 times a week). I was exercising (bodyweight bodybuilding) 3 times a week (about 3-4 hours a week) since LVH could be caused by an hypertrophic cardiomyopathy I don't want to stress my heart any more.

I am experiencing arrhythmia sometimes when I am lying down, or masturbating. I never had an hypertensive case, and since childhood my heart rythm was always in the 60-70bpm (through, I'm more in 50-60bpm these days).

I had a blood test a few weeks back (before my visit to the cardiologist) and everything was normal (except that I got a lower total cholesterol and not enough Vitamin D).

One of my uncle had a "enlarged heart" (I don't know more of this because he died from lung cancer).

So my questions are:
1- Where is the limit when I do sport ? I keep reading young guys like me die from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
2- Can I take whey protein ?
3- I read that LVH is often cause by hypertension. If I'm not hypertensed, what would be the medication for my LVH ? Betablockers slows the heart (but mine is already slow!) and lower blood pressure (mine is low too).

Thank you so much

[Brandok]

Thank you for answer. My main concern is about the treatment. If it cardiomyopathy due to genetics, what can be the treatment if they are not bêta blockers or ace inhibitors?
I don't want to disturb my cardiologist with my questions because I think he has more urgent people to take care of than a young hypochondriac :-)

[CCFHeartMD27]

Many things can cause enlargement of the heart in a young person who is not hypertensive. Your doctor is doing the right thing by pursuing further testing, such as an MRI. As you describe, causes other than familial cardiomyopathies include alcohol consumption, extreme degrees of athletic conditioning, and some drugs.  If your diagnosis is confirmed, genetic testing may be warranted, especially given what you describe as a family history.

You should talk with your doctor about your rhythm disturbances and let him or her advise you on exercise. I would also disclose any and all supplements that you might be taking, since these two can have an effect on the heart.