left ventricular hypertrophy

[4Patty]

My 16 year son just went for his sport physical. They did an EKG and came back and said he might have LVH. He is 6ft 4in and weighs 203 pounds. He does not have any symptoms that I have found that go with LVH. He doesn't have high blood pressure, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat. How serious is this problem? What do I need to ask the specialist? Will he be able to play basketball?

A very concerned mom,

Patty

[kenkeith]

An EKG is not a very good source for determining diminsions of heart chambers and should be indexed for age, gender and body size.  If there is a concern, an echocardiogram (ultrasound) would be a decisive test. Also, it would provide a a basis for any future reference.  Almost always a doctor will not make a diagnosis based on just an EKG output.  It requires more evidence from further tests, signs and symptoms.  

Does your son have resting heart rate that is low?  If so that would indicate some enlargement due to good physical conditioning. There shouldn't be any restrictions to participate in any sport just based on an EKG, but whether or not there is further testing by a doctor would be a school's decision...occassionally, a young athlete can have sudden cardiac arrest and that condition can be due to an electrical disturbance.  Sometime if the left ventricle is enlarged that can be the underlying cause of the electrical disorder. That condition would not have prior symtoms.  

You may want your son to have further testing to rule out any unknown congenital condition, etc.  

Thanks for sharing, and I hope the information provides a perspective that helps you with professional consultation.  If you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken