LVH

[dilse330]

When I got my chest Xray due to history of +ve PPD the report read as follows...
"There is mild left ventricular prominence, no gross cardiomegaly. There is no evidence of infiltrate, effusion or congestion. The apices and costophrenic angles are clear. The mediastinum and bony thorax are basically unremarkable."
I understand the part about my lungs being clear. But left ventricular prominence (is it hypertrophy) I do not understand. My blood pressure is always in the range of 90/70 to 110/70. Never high.
Off late I started having a cup of coffee twice a week sometimes. (I have never had tea or coffee or any other carbonated drink). I am 42 y/o female. I am not a gym freak. But 7 months ago I did gym  (elliptical in elite athlete zone for half an hour), total body workout boot camp once a week for 6 weeks, and beginner's Tennis once a week for 9 weeks. I eat everything. I am a mother of a teenager and a student myself at a grad school. Gave these details to let you know that I am not very physically active. Since last four months I haven't had time for any physical activity. This report of X-ray is one month old (3/4 months after stopping all the above sports activity).
Is there any thing I need to worry about? Could the LVH be a congenital presence?
Can I perform moderate physical activity level?
Do I need any further testing?
Thanks

[kenkeith]

Comment: "There is mild left ventricular prominence, no gross cardiomegaly....I understand the part about my lungs being clear. But left ventricular prominence (is it hypertrophy) I do not understand. My blood pressure is always in the range of 90/70 to 110/70. Never high.

>>>>>>No "gross" cardiomegaly indicates that the condition is seen by the visable eye with an Xray and usually pertains to the septum (wall between right and left sides of the heart's lower chambers...ventricles.)

For some insight: an individual with small ventricular septum defect (VSDs), the results of chest radiographs are usually normal. Reading your post indicates this condition as a possibility.

With medium-size VSDs, minimal cardiomegaly and a borderline increase in pulmonary vasculature may be observed. No finding of this condition shown.

In large VSDs, the chest radiograph shows gross cardiomegaly with prominence of both ventricles, the left atrium, and the pulmonary artery. Ruled out.

Comment: "My blood pressure is always in the range of 90/70 to 110/70. Never high".

This is an excellant indication that you have a very good cardiovascular system probably due to the aerobic activity you do. The left chamber wall is enlarged but no pathology.  The stronger contracting left chamber is more efficient and as a consequence the pulse rate at rest in oftened below 60 bpm. The difference between pathological wall and non-pathological is due to the heart cells (myocytes) characteristics and would take an biopsy of heart wall tissue to determine.

Hope this provides a perspective, and if you have any further questions or comment you are invited to respond.  Thanks for sharing, take care and I wish you well going forward.

Ken

[erijon]

An x-ray is not a good way to diagnose LVH, you may want to have an echo. The way I read this is that the LV was noticeable, but it was considered mild with no gross cardiomegaly which means there was no indication of an enlarged heart. It could be mild LVH, but to be sure you would need an echo. Did you discuss this finding with your doctor? If so, what did he say? your doctor should also make any recommendation for exercise as he knows your history.

That's where I would start, see if your doctor feels there is a need for an echo based on your history. I'm guessing not since your BP is controlled and must have a good exercise tolerance.

Hope this helps,

Jon