"Structural" heart disease/problems

[Mom2four85]

I've been told and read arrhythmia's in a normally "structural" heart are really nothing to worry about.  So my question is - what exactly constitutes "structurally" normal heart?  I would really appreciate an answer from one of the doctors here to really understand what this means.

The reason I ask is because back in July 2009, I had very frequent pvc's (50,000+ daily) but I was told they were nothing to worry about because the only things found were insignificant things like trace and mild valve insufficency; I had other insequential things like LVH, dialated LA.  I've also read as we age (was 42 at the time) this is pretty normal part of aging and many will get leakage and nothing to worry over.

I had an EP Study & ablation and my dr found I had Polymorphic VT; yet my MRI after as well as another echo, CTA and Xrays didn't show anything except Cardiomegaly.

I then had a cardiac cath that showed systemic hypertension, modeartely elevated LVEDP (34) and that I had Non Ischemic Cardiomyopathy that didn't show up the day before on the other tests.  I was DX with HOCM and a Pacemaker/ICD implanted.

Doctors I've seen since then have questioned this diagnosis; because one time my echo will point towards HOCM and the next will be fine and not even show valve problems.  I just had a new echo done and am going to see Dr. Craig Asher @ CC in Weston FL in the fall for another opinion, but would appreciate any info beforehand.

thanks for your time and answer

[Mom2four85]

thank you for the answer; I haven't gotten that answer yet which has been frustrating and it's a bit more complicated then I've read.

I just had another echo, which makes me question my diagnosis even more.

[CCF HeartMD6]

Your case is extremely complex judging by the amount of testing and procedures that have already been performed, which makes it difficult to be able to make an accurate diagnosis of what is going on without review of the primary data and an accompanying history and physical.  However, to answer your question regarding a structurally normal heart -- this can refer to the normal anatomy of the heart including (but not limited to) chamber size, ejection fraction, valve dimensions (including flow), and mass.  Different imaging modalities are able to determine/estimate different parameters -- and may often times differ slightly from each other.

If a previous diagnosis of HOCM was made and you are questioning this, it would best be addressed at your upcoming appointment this Fall where you can go over your previous testing with your cardiologist.

[Mom2four85]

I would really appreciate an answer to what it means when a doctor says "structurally" normal heart; what is a structurally "normal" heart?

[begs] maybe that will get my question answered by a doctor =)