abnormal ecg

[cookie121257]

My mom had an ecg and she was told that the middle of her heart is enlarged.  They are setting up an appt with a specialist however her doctor told her that it was nothing to worry about??? What causes this and what can be done about it? She is in her mid 70s and has had no problems other than being short of breath occassionally.

[kenkeith]

As one ages the heart works harder to pump blood/oxg into circulation and the heart's left ventricle may dilate to compensate as an enlared LV produces stronger contractions as an dilated LV produces stronger contractions.  However, excessive enlargement (over compensation) will cause a loss of contractility and the heart may not pump effectively and heart failure will ensue.

Tests will/should provide infformation regarding the underlying cause, and it usually is narrowing and hardening of the arteries putting more stress and strain to the heart.  Treatment is medication to dilate vessels to reduce the heart's workload.  This scenario has the highest diagnostic probability, and I am basing my response to your mother's age and a limited symptom of shortness of breath occasionally.