Recently diagnosed with Mild LVH

I was recently dx with Mild LVH. I have had mildly elevated BP in the past, but now it is under control, usually ranging 112-114/74-78. I currently take Propranolol for the BP and it seems to be working well. My question is, when I went for the test results my Dr. did not seem like the LVH was a big deal and the cardiologist that performed my 2 day stress test did not say that I needed to returm to him for further care. The stress test was neg. for any other problems. Is mild LVH no big deal, could I "keel" over from this? I am thinking that if my Dr. does not seem to cencerned of it, then why should I? I trust my Dr. very much, but after all, it is my ticker we're dealing with here.He just says that I need to keep my BP controlled, and that there are studies that indicate the LVH could regress. Is this correct? Thanks for any input from the board.

[tickertock]

I think we talked before. I'm in the same boat as you , also diagnosed with mild LVH, this is a common problem for persons with HTN even mild untreated HTN. I've been told by cardio to keep my BP around 110/70 on average and don't worry about the mild LVH. Unless you've have HCM  I wouldn't worry about this at all.It has cause me unnecessary worry, my cardio didn't level with me about it for 5 years until I pressed him then he smiled and said look keep your BP in check and you have nothing to be concerned about. I suspect you've been reading about LVH on the internet and it has you a bit panicky,relax most of the stuff you read never applys to you as an individual, its a good place to throw you in full hysteria over nothing, been there done that, it's not healthy!!

[Bereagal]

Thanks and we have talked before, and you are exactly right in that I have been reading and researching and basically anything else that I can find on the internet relating to this. I think that is my anxiety and panic over just about every situation. I guess I am trying to find out as much about LVH as I can since my dr. didn't really say much and sure wasn't to concerned. Have your dr'.s ever told you that as long as the BP is under control that the LVH can regress? It is just really terrifying to think that something is wrong with my heart, and I know that I bring alot of this on myself by worrying about it to much, and reading to much about it on the internet. I know that I should trust the Dr. and the cardiologist (he is a good one and is highly recommended in my city) but as I read all the stuff about LVH I think it can obviously happen to me and that maybe I am not being told everything. Sounds a little silly, right?Anyway, thanks for listening and responding.

[anacyde]

Mild LVH isn't something you're going to keel over from.  It simply means that your heart has been a bit overworked from the high blood pressure.  LVH is a pretty common thing with hypertension.  With good blood pressure control, it may reverse.  It sounds like your numbers are great with the medication you're on, so that's wonderful news.  Some people really struggle finding the medication that works for them.

[tickertock]

HCM is diagnosed with a specific murmur, left ventricular outflow obstruction , though not in all cases, family history(very important) and usually an interventricular septum 20mm(2.0 cm) and more. There is only a very small percentage of persons with LVH that end up with a diagnosis of HCM. If your cardiologist or doctor had thought this, you would have been much more evaluated, you can almost rest assured this is not the case with you.If in doubt simply call your cardio or doc or  seek a second opinion for a peace of mind.Relax , you're ok but I understand exactly how you feel , been there myself, bear in mind I'm not an doctor, double check if in doubt. Be well.

[Bereagal]

You mentioned HCM. I understand this is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. My dr. nor the cardiologist has ever mentioned this to me. Am I to assume that I have just thr mild LVh? How is the HCM diagnosed?

[tickertock]

I take atenolol, cozaar and HCTZ to control my palps and HTN, I had palps long long before I ever had or/been diagnosed with mild LVH so the two are not connected in that regard. even though my BP was always mildly elevated since 25, I'm now 42 in had been that way for a long time without ultimate control, it now averages around 110/70 and my last 2  EKGs was not suggestive of LVH like the previous ones. The LVH might regress with aggressive BP control or it might not so long it doesn't get any worse my prognosis is the same, at least that is what my cardio told me. Booth my parents have LVH and HTN , both are alive and well my Dad is 79, and mom 74, they are otherwise very healthy and active, my Dad is alot fitter than I am.

Even with my diagnosis of mild LVH my cardio considers my heart structure essentially normal with no leaks of any of the valves, normal size chambers, aortic root and diameter with a normal EF of 55-60%. Don't worry you'll be just fine once you keep your Bp under control, trust your doc, if not get a second opinion for a peace of mind.Take care

[Clarissairene]

Hello,

Just reading this thread had really calmed me down so thank you. Just Friday I was diagnosed with MILD LVH and my doc said I had a leaky valve. I am a 29 year old female, healthy except for the fact that I am really overwieght. After having my son 5 years ago I gained about 90 pounds and still havent lost it. My appt was actually to find out why I have slight microsopic blood in my urine everytime i have a test done, she just happened to have my echo results from about 1 month ago. For like 3 years now I have had major panic/anxiety attacks and none of my doctors really wanted to look into it, especially when they saw I was taking xanax, they thought probably waste of time, its just Panic. But this doctor here in Florida went right into my symptoms with tons of tests... i have racing heart beat, feeling like i am giong to faint. I get tired walking up stairs and have to stop yet I can do my eliptical machine for 40 minutes without feeling like that. I also have chest pain and pressure. So, when the doctor told me I had this she acted like it was no big deal and really didnt explain it to me. I had to go online after the appointment and look it up and what I read looked to me as HEART FAILURE! So of course I freaked out and went into a depressing state, even talking to my husband about getting life insurance on the house incase something happens. Ever since that diagnoses I have felt all my symptoms worse. I am thinking its just anxiety from the shock. But reading this made me calm down so I thank you and any other advice you can give would be great. Oh yeah, and I dont have high blood pressure, just a bit elevated resting heart rate, around 85-90.

Oh yeah, i did ask the doctor if there is something I could do to make my heart wall thinner and she said yeah, but it would take ALOT of time. I think I am going to wait to see a cardio, which she doesnt think i need yet to get more info.