Mild heart anomalies & PVCs

[tickertock]

Ive been diagnosed with mild LVH of the IVS, all other dimensions , valves, EF within the normal limits. We here have always heard the caveat, in an otherwise normal heart PVCs posed no increased risks. Can the same be said/stated with minor abnormalities like mild LVH & mild MVP . Do they qualify as an essentially normal heart if no other abnormalities are present in regard to having PVCs that are considered benign or do these "mild abnormalities" disqualify persons with them from falling into the category as having "benign" PVCs just as if their heart was completely normal?Thanks for your valuable time.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Tickertock,

Thanks for the post.

Ive been diagnosed with mild LVH of the IVS, all other dimensions, valves, EF within the normal limits. We here have always heard the caveat, in an otherwise normal heart PVCs posed no increased risks. Can the same be said/stated with minor abnormalities like mild LVH & mild MVP .

The strictest definition of a structurally normal heart would not include things like LVH and MVP.  You also have to consider that the risk is probably a continuum – people with an intraventricular septum thickness of 30 mm (3.0 cm) qualify for an ICD and carry a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomypathy, but what but about the person that has a 13 or 14 mm IVS – that is a lot of people.  Not to mention that MVP (mitral valve prolapse) is one of most over diagnosed echo findings.  We can’t be too literal about this definition of a structurally normal heart and keep in mind that risk is usually a continuum depending on significant the abnormalities are.  If these were the echo findings of a family member, I would control for other risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc, but I would not worry.

[tickertock]

Thanks My IVS was last measured at 14mm on July 18, 2005, exactly 2 years ago . I was told to have it rechecked in 2 years.Unfortunately I wont be able to travel to Miami to see my regular cardiologist until later this year or next year. My BP is perfectly controlled at around 110/70 with atenolol, cozaar and HCTZ. I had an ECG Nov 2006 which was was completely and not suggestive of LVH like the previous ones done on the same machine.Blood work showed a total cholestrol at borderline , I think just under 200. I guess unless I have symptoms if I wait another year for echo that should be ok.Thanks again.

[anacyde]

Just to echo that structurally normal issue, when I was terribly concerned about my PACs and runs of SVT after my slightly abnormal echo last year, my cardiologist assured me that even though there was that abnormality (mild LV enlargement) - overall it was still considered "structurally normal".  And apparently so, since despite it's return to normal, the PACs persist ;)

[tickertock]

Don't know if it's possible for you to comment/advise but with the information I provided , Is it reasonable to wait another year for an echo or should I have one sooner, like stated it was recommended I have one this year, but due to unseen circumstances I 'll have to wait another year unless its warranted. Thanks in advance.