RBBB with Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

[legolas_ind]

My stats are as follows: I am 26 years 8 months old, male. I am 6 feet, 220 pounds. I am moderately active (I used to bodybuild for about 1-2 years, but stopped for over a year)

5 years ago, when i was 21, automatic ECG showed "possible right ventricular hypertrophy." The technician, however, signed "normal sinus rhythm with R/S = 1 in V1" There was no further follow-up.

Yesterday, after being told that I appeared healthy and could start an intense exercise regimen, on a hunch, i requested that my PCP order an ECG. The ECG came back with significant abnormalities, listing the following:

Right bundle branch block
Possible right atrial enlargement
Probable right ventricular hypertrophy
Inferior Infarct

My doctor reviewed the ECG, and said that RBBBs are common and often not of significant clinical importance. He did not comment on the hypertrophy issue. However, he did order that I get an Echocardiogram to rule out structural problems of the heart, which he said, at my age is probably something that I was born with.

From my online research, I read that right ventricular hypertrophy is typically caused by pulmonary hypertension. Tomorrow I will get my Echo done, and hopefully a diagnosis for a treatable underlying cause is made. Anybody have any ideas what else it could be? I will be checking here all day today, and tomorrow I will post the diagnosis after the Echo. Thank you in advance for your replies.

[shell1925]

I also was told that I had RBBB and that it was benign because I have had a slew of tests on my heart.  I was told that it can appear in normal, healthy individuals.  I was just at my PCP yesterday complaining of left side pain in my shoulder, arms, and in both my legs.  She told me that with all my tests I had that the RBBB was just a "fluke".  I'm not sure about the other stuff that showed up your EKG, but I am pretty sure the echo will show anything abnormal.  I am currently awaiting my tests results in the mail so that I can look over everything myself.  I wish you luck and keep us posted on your results of your echo.

[legolas_ind]

Thank you for your comment, and words of encouragement.

[shell1925]

You're welcome!!  Good luck tomorrow and try not to worry (I know easier said than done).  Keep us posted about the results!!  :-)

[legolas_ind]

I just returned from the Echo. No word yet. I was told that a cardiologist would review, and get in touch with my PCP.

[kenkeith]

You need to get a copy of the echo report from the cardio doc.  It would help to review the report prior to seeing your PCP.  

[legolas_ind]

I didn't ask if I could have a copy. I guess I'd have to wait to hear from my PCP. He didn't call all day. He will probably call tomorrow morning. Oh, I am so distraught.

[legolas_ind]

still waiting for results. :-(

[legolas_ind]

my results are out. my PCP's nurse said that she will review them and call me back, or have my PCP call me back. i am sitting in my bed, paralyzed.

[legolas_ind]

i just heard from my PCP

everything is normal. i have a normal heart - normal size, normal valves, normal everything.

phew.

posting here has been a sort of mental exercise to keep calm. i am grateful for this forum.

[worrier10]

This is very calming to hear because my ekg's have said horrid things as well including RVH. I'm terrifed to see the cardiologist in one week because I swear he's going to tell me that I do in fact have RVH. I'm praying every day though that it turns out to be nothing like yours.