enlarged heart- atrial fibrillation

My husband has just been told he has atrail fibrillation and his heart is enlarged. No one seems to know the exact cause and he's been told to take one asprin daily and to avoid alcohol and caffeine.Should we be concerned?
My husband has always been easy to upset and gets stressed ofter could strees be the cause of this problem and if so what can he do about it. Will taking medication for stress help because no matter how hard he trys not to let things upset him they still do.
Also, we have always had suspicions that he is ADHD could this be a factor. My husband has always been a strong hard working man, but, I've notice in the past year to year and a half he's not been himself he complains often about not feeling well and doesn't feel like doing as much as before all this. I guess what I'm looking for is answers to many questions, like should he not do the job he's been doing for the past 20yrs which is extremely hard and dangerous work(he's a iron worker).He was told to avoid beer but he's thinks if he had a few once a month it won't matter is he right.Should he exercise more? What should he life style be like.Is having atrial figrillation and an enlarged heart moe dangerous than having just one of these conditions or is one just a factor to the other.
thank you, Paula

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Stress did not cause either the heart enlargement or atrial fibrillation, though stress can sometimes cause atrial fibrillation to flare up. I do not think taking medicines for stress is the answer here. He may need medications for his atrial fibrillation. He may also need medicines for the heart enlargement, if the heart is also weak -  a cardiologist will be able to sort out all these issues for him. The enlarged heart could predispose to atrial fibrillation, or the atrial fibrillation could have lead to the enlarged heart; it is difficult to say. Since his heart is enlarged and he has atrial fibrillation, he should not drink alcohol at all - it can make both conditions worse. I cannot comment on whether he should exercise and continue working - the answer depends on how he feels and how well his heart is pumping blood.

[Alan]

Just to put my 2 cents in ,, I was having an enlarged heart that did lead to atrial fib, and mine was cause by MVP.  I since have had a valve repair and they have seen considerable shrinkage allready.  I have not had fib since December of last year although felt like it was about to start.  I can say that afib is a verrrrry sucky condition. You did not mention ,, how are the valves of his heart as bad valves does lead a lot of times to enlargement.  You husband has the usual personality of people with MVP as I am very easily stressed can sleep much and things of that sort.  Good luck with it.


I really wish more questions could be posted as the little bit of questions that are answered my not be of as much value as the stress they cause by people trying to post and not being able to get in.  Hope things change.. I have not been back here for a couple months and some of the same questions are still here:(

Thanks

[comment to alan from terry]

Alan,
you mentioned you had a valve repair- how did it go? I'm supposed to have one soon due to complications from having a orange-sized tumor (myxoma) removed from the left atrium in Nov. 1999. Needless to say, I'm really bummed out at the thought of having another open-heart surgery  so soon. Thanks

[I need help desperately]

I have been through hell for 2 years.  First, my brother passed away from dilated cardiomyopathy.  We are almost certain he had high blood pressure that was left untreated. His heart was enlarged.  His blood was not pumping properly and he lost his life virtually when he hit the floor at the age of 35.  My other brother has been diagnosed with MVP. (we think - we are waiting on a call).  My problem is a fast heart rate.  Taking beta blockers is not an option for me due to severe side effects.  I am on Aceon for high blood pressure but we cannot control my heart rate which can go up to 140 bpm.  Is there any other medication out there.  I have been to doctors, cardiologists etc......no one cares and no one knows.  Again, I cannot take a beta blocker.  I have had a echocardiogram and EKGs etc.  Could someone - anyone e-mail me at ***@****

It would be appeciated.

[poly]

I had terrible side effects with atenolol and didn't want to try others, but thanks to some people in this board I got the courage to go and try Toprol-xl (50 mg) (I said to myself that if I felt any bad side effect the first day, I would stop altogether).  I got no side effects but a little sleepiness, and my heart rate, which was "always" above 100 bpm (105 at rest), up to 177 bpm, went down to 85 bpm at rest (I do feel much better now).  I exercise regularly, and my rate used to go far beyond the target rate, and now it's in the normal range.  The only thing I don't like is that my blood pressure is very low now (85/65), but I feel OK.
Have you tried calcium chanel blockers (I've heard they help with fast heart rates and blood pressure), or other meds such as digoxin?
There's plenty of information on the archives in this forum.
Best wishes,
Poly

[Janice]

If anyone is in the Knoxville,Tn. area,the dr. to see is Sledge. My 27 yr.old son had a heart attack on Nov.21,1998. He died on them but with the help of the shock treatment, was finally revived. Four days later, he had a pace maker, defidrillator put in. His heart was deformed so also had 5 stents put in the main artery.His main  artery goes down so far then does a 90o angle. The rooter doesn't make angles that sharp so there's nothing more they can doo but I tell you this, Dr. Sledge and Dr. Gimbel sure know their business . Here in the Asheville area we also have some fine cardiologist. Dr. Peter Goodfield did my aortic valve diag, and Dr. Paul Johnson did my stainless steel/carbon aortic valve replacement 8 1/2 yrs ago..Of course with age,the body seems to accumulate more problems but I thank God for the extension he has given me.Without my faith in Him, I'm not sure I would be alive today.
Hope you have a good day tomorrow and always keep in touch with your dr. . ?'s about your meds. Ask your pharmacist. Great source of help.               Best wishes, Janice

[Jim Cooper]

My questions are as follows
First my history  40 year old white male diagnoied with chf,copd a sever myocardiol infarct enlarged heart a fib for two weeks and yet another heart attack my first infarct was April 12 1997 age 37 coded on the floor recessatatid 18 times with the paddles
angioplasty performed on my lad 100 %occlusion less than a year latter aanother heart attack this time a stent was placed
now my questions.
1how does an enlarged heart effect ones mortality rate?
2my docters mention my ejection factor as onlt 20 percent and hint of putting me on the transplant list,they seem to be skirting the issue should I push for this now because of so many people seem to die waiting on one.
3 with all themedication I take ( cordarone.coreg. lanokin. lasix.isosorbide.prinivil,lipitor,plus more )howmlong can someone take all of these meds and not start getting sick or have renal faliaure
4now my doctors (one of which studied in Cleveland) wants me to go for another catherization can you shed some light on my dim health  Thanks Jim Cooper    ***@****

[Penny to need help desperately]

My mother was suffering from severe hypertension (200/110) until she was put on a calcium channel blocker called Norvasc- within days her BP fell to 130/70 and her heart rate lowered and became regular as well-we all believe it has saved her life.  I sympathise with your situation- I also lost my brother to dilated cardiomyopathy( age 17), and I also get tachy.  Have you had an EP study?  I had one to rule out serious problems- it was great relief given my family history.  Hope this helps.

[Kimberly Ann Friedrich]

I thought i had sent a message in, but can not remember, i had heard back from the cardiomyopathy assn.  i had postpartum cardiomyopathy 2 years ago, and this past october was dxed with leaking valves, mitral valve is at 1+...what exactly does this mean for me, and who can help me, what would be the recommendation?...

[helen]

I have had a problem with pain and burning in right shoulder and back. Have been on prilosec for ulcer at first it seemed to help, but the pain came back.  All right in morning about two in afternoon after resting pain starts than as the day goes on gets worse after evening meal gets worse when sitting reading or watching TV.  When I go to bed it is gone have no problem all night. Next day starts in afternoon again.  Have had arotic valve replaced two years ago, so know how heart problems feel, unless this is some other heart problem, also have atrill fib. but take medication for that. So could use some help, wonder if acid reflux could do that, have a voice problem getting hoarse quite often, doctors don,t seem to think much of the voice problem. Wonder if it is all connected, I need help soon, can back to doc, and will but need some advice now.

[helen]

I have had a problem with pain and burning in right shoulder and back. Have been on prilosec for ulcer at first it seemed to help, but the pain came back.  All right in morning about two in afternoon after resting pain starts than as the day goes on gets worse after evening meal gets worse when sitting reading or watching TV.  When I go to bed it is gone have no problem all night. Next day starts in afternoon again.  Have had arotic valve replaced two years ago, so know how heart problems feel, unless this is some other heart problem, also have atrill fib. but take medication for that. So could use some help, wonder if acid reflux could do that, have a voice problem getting hoarse quite often, doctors don,t seem to think much of the voice problem. Wonder if it is all connected, I need help soon, can back to doc, and will but need some advice now.

[helen]

I have had a problem with pain and burning in
right shoulder and back. Have been on prilosec
for ulcer at first it seemed to help, but the
pain came back.  All right in morning about two
in afternoon after resting pain starts than as
the day goes on gets worse after evening meal
gets worse when sitting reading or watching TV.
When I go to bed it is gone have no problem
all night. Next day starts in afternoon again.  
Have had arotic valve replaced two years ago,
so know how heart problems feel, unless this is
some other heart problem, also have atrill fib.
but take medication for that. So could use some
help, wonder if acid reflux could do that, have
a voice problem getting hoarse quite often,
doctors don,t seem to think much of the voice
problem. Wonder if it is all connected, I need
help soon, can back to doc, and will but need
some advice now.

[Johnny Brannon]

I am a 44 year old male who was dianosed with an enlarged heart 6 years ago. I was on Vasotec and Topral XL for 4 & half years with no side effects(the Topral XL controlled my irregular heart rhythms). I was removed from the Vasotec and did ok for 6 months until it was discovered that my blood pressure had elevated. a new medication,Triamterene/HCTZ 75/50 was added. I complained later of erectile disfunction and he took me off the Toprol and added Atenolol (25 Mg).I am still experiencing erectile disfunction. Is there a risk with the combo of Toprol XL and Vasotec? I don't understand why he broke up this duo in thr first place.

[mary holroyd]

     my son who is 22 years old just starting smoking about
     one year ago.  when he was little the doctors told us
     he had what is called a functional heart murmur.  What
     effect will smoking have on him?  As you could probably
     read between the lines, I am a very concerned mom.
     Thank you for your help.

[Tim S.]

Can someone please tell what this means my doctor,nurse and cadiologist are not explaining this to me!so i dont know if this is serious.I am 30yrs old male 216lbs.I was given my results today 04/17/00 with no explanation!here they are word for word-(1)left atrium is enlarged at 4.5cm, and right atrium is also enlarged(2)normal LV systolic function(3)right ventricular enlargement(4)very mild mitral valve regurgitation(5)mild tricuspid regurgitation with mildly elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 39 mm hg.(6)normal aortic valve(7)mild LVE.(8)no evidence of intracardiac thrombi or pericardial effusion. thanks for any info yall can give me

[helen]

I have a message posted on April 15,2000 it was posted three times, how do you take off one of the messages and leave just one? Thank you.

[[e-mail]]

||What is a "post-op enlarged heart?"

[cardiac sonographer]

Tim-

You left atrium is mildly enlarged probably due to your mitral valve leaking.  The levt ventricle can also be enlarged due to the same reason.  Same goes for the right atrium it is enlarged due to the leaking of the tricuspid valve.  The pulmonary artery pressure suggest mild pulmonary hypertension and this can be assessed via the velocity of the regurgitation.  I know this might be confusing but don't be afraid to ask your cardiologist questions.

[Kathy Stephens]

Do any of you know--does an enlarged heart ever reduce back to normal or near normal? Cant ask this as a new question as the question limit was already ready when I found this site.

[TINA884]

A related discussion, need to understand was started.