slight right sided heart enlarement

[pdberger]

Hi
About 4 weeks ago I was in the ER with chest pressure and they ran an EKG (some abnormalities but not worrisome to Dr.)Blood Tests (cardiac enzymes, coagulation and some other...all normal)an Echo (showed slight enlargement of right side of heart...again not worrisome to Dr.) About 2 weeks ago I also had a cardiolyte stress test done (all readings were negative)

I am prone to anxiety. I am obese but have lost 30 lbs over the last few months and have started exercising.  I currently take 25 mg of chlorthalidine and 12.5 mg of atenolol (Dr. let me cut down because I was feeling as if I was bottoming out after taking 25 mg of atenolol.  My BP has been regulated well (avg 115/75) I have some pitting edema in my legs but Dr. doesn't seem too concerned.

I still have frequent palpatations and sometimes feel like I am falling off a cliff when I try to fall asleep at night.  It abuptly wakes me up.

Does this sound mostly anxiety induced?  Do you think the edema is caused by obesity or more heart related that deems more checking into?

Thanks!

[Chrisstina]

I would check out the possibility of sleep apnea.  Your waking up with a start is a sign that you may be stopping breathing.  Right heart enlargement can be a sign of sleep apnea - if you get your sleep apnea treated (if you do have it) - your heart size will return to normal.  

[pdberger]

Thank you for your feedback!

[Cleveland Clinic]

pdberger,

thanks for the post.

It sounds like your heart was checked into. Certainly, a normal stress and echo would be somewhat reassuring to me as a cardiologist and steer me away from the heart as a cause of your symptoms.

It sounds like you are making great progress with your exercise program. I would continue to work with your physician on that path.

Anxiety can certainly play a big factor in our health. If these issues are detrimental to your overall health they should be treated.

good luck