Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Hello,

I am a 38 year old male, 5'10 220 lbs non- smoker. Father (age 77 - had a stroke at age 72- still alive) and mother (age 63 High BP) still living and otherwise healthy. I have two have brothers ages 49 & 45, we have the same father but different mother. Both have had heart attacks and quad bypass surgeries in recent years. They were both smokers and drug & alchohol abusers.

In November 2005 I had an episode in which I became dizzy, had shortness of breath and my heart began to race. I also felt chest discomfort. My wife drove me to the emergency room. After a BP check 159 / 95, EKG (normal) and some other tests such as CT Scan ,blood work, ext(all normal) the doctor recommended that I stay overite and get an echo cardiogram. I agreed to stay. I followed up with my doctor who gave me the results of the echo: Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and he prescribed 10 mg Lisinopril which I have been taking daily since.

About 5 years ago I had a similar episode and my doctor back then had me perform a Stress Test which came back normal. They also did a chest x ray and said that my heart was slightly enlarged but did not prescribe any meds.

I often feel tired and I experience episodes of shortness of breath. The left side of my chest feels heavy and there is almost always some pressure their. I have weekly headaches, heart palpitations and even some pain in my chest. These symptoms by the way precluded my trip to the emergency room for about 5 months.

I have had two episodes of pain over the last three months that I spoke to my doctor about. My doctor took and EKG after both which was normal. About a week ago he had me wear a Halter Monitor over nite which picked an episode of 125 bpm while I was driving and he said that my heart rate is pretty high for a guy my age. Usually around 85 bmp when I go for a check-up.

Last week my doctor decided to prescribe me 25 mg of Metoprolol. He said that it was a small dose that might help slow my heart rate down. I have not started taking this yet as I have had anxiety about taking another pill.

Over the last few months I think that I have become depressed. I have three young children and I am worried of what might happen to them and my wife should something happen to me. I have not discussed my deppression and anxiety with my doctor. My wife is upset with me b/c of not talking my depression over with my doctor.

I believe that I have two separate issues: LVH and now Depression / Anxiety.

I would appreciate any comments / advise on different treatments for LVH and specifically what meds seem to work the best? Also, what are the survival rates of folks associated that hav LVH? And any other advise would be appreciated.

What else can I do to help my self feel better? Like treating the depression? Med suggestions?

Thank you very much for your help.

Rich




  

[mary2]

You have several risk factors for heart disease, hypertension, family history and increased weight.
LVH is usually a result of high blood pressure and a sign that BP needs to be treated. More concerning are you symptoms. I would suggest you ask you PCP to send you to a cardiologist for testing,such as nuclear stress test. Although you had a stress test, it was 5 years ago.  Even is you have heart disease they are very well treatable, so I don't think it is a reason to be depressed about it.  It is really important you see a cardiologist. Also, if you try to improve your health, try to eat healhty, loose some weight and if a cardiologist give you a clean bill of health, start exercising.....