question

Ive seen it posted here a hundred times. Sounds like a dumb question, but I have to ask. WHAT IS: " A structurally normal heart". ?

[Jerry_NJ]

That is a complicated question, but for a starter I'd say it means all the chambers, walls and valves have normal size, thickness, and operation (respectively).  I think it does not mean one can not have electrical/rhythm problems, that is different that structurally normal.

[cindy707]

Simple answer......what you can feel to the touch.....in other words that your heart physically is within normal limits of the perimeter of the heart in statistics....a very good thing....................................................

[is_something_wrong]

A structurally normal heart:

- No pathological leaks on valves (they all leak a little, because they close when blood pushes back)
- No hypertrophy (thicker walls), atrial or ventricular
- No dilation (thinner walls due to enlarged heart), atrial or ventricular
- Normal contractility (ejects between 50 and 75% of it's blood volume in each beat)
- No scars or non-functioning areas due to heart attacks.
- No signs of myocarditis, endocarditis, pericarditis (heart inflammation)

= structurally normal :)

[is_something_wrong]

sorry, I forgot. And no leaks between left and right chambers (=shunts).