Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

[lettingoffsteam]

OK I just wanted to hear from others diagnosed with the above condition.I was diagnosed with mild concentric lvh in May due to high bp.I'm not sure how to feel about this as it clearly isn't great but GP and other doctors say it's not a big deal.I should say that apart from some mild valve thickening everything else was normal on my echo.Even the bhf fact pages sound worrying.How has this been for you?

[siouxbee19]

I have LVH, but it's due to genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. At first they said possibly due to high blood pressure, but 5 years later my persistent electrophysiologist butted heads with my cardiologist yet again and decided to do a gene test for a definitive diagnosis.

Most all other tests came back normal, like my angiogram, EP study, all my echocardiogram, but symptoms persisted, I had a bout of ventricular tachycardia, so my EP persisted and now I'm doing better and have an ICD/pacemaker.

Not saying that is the cause of yours, but you might mention it to your specialist. However, unless they specialize in HCM, many don't know much about HCM.

Wishing you good health! 😀

[lettingoffsteam in reply to siouxbee19]

Thanks for your reply siouxbee19.What symptoms did you have apart from the tachycardia if you don't mind me asking?

[siouxbee19 in reply to lettingoffsteam]

You're quite welcome! Besides arrhythmias, some benign & some not, I had/have shortness of breath, fainting, fatigue, feeling ill (GI upset), family history of HCM (that's a big one) & I'm sure other things I'm forgetting right now!

I also had bouts years ago with high blood pressure, but not as high as I read yours to be, and now I have normal to low BP. I know the 2 meds I take for my heart, Sotalol & Toprol, probably help lower it more.

Also, many of the symptoms of HCM are similar to other heart issues, or vague and associated with other illnesses, so oftentimes doctors don't think of HCM.

Of course I'm no doctor, just speaking from experience hoping I can help.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to siouxbee19]

Thanks for sharing that and yes it is very helpful.How long have you had symptoms?

[siouxbee19 in reply to lettingoffsteam]

You're welcome! I've had symptoms from a young age (I'm 50 something now😁), but never knew until 2005 that some were probably related (fainting, palpitations, etc...). As I mentioned earlier, symptoms are so similar to other more common issues that HCM isn't the first thing most doctors think about, unless they specialize in such.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to siouxbee19]

Well I've had palpitations on and off for years...put down to anxiety but this high blood pressure lark was totally out of the blue.The last reading in April 2017 was totally normal then this.It's been a massive shock but the GP says well your blood pressure is nicely controlled now and the other stuff is negligible.I've gone plant based and lost three and a half stone already.I'm also avoiding sugary foods even though I was never big on cakes etc.I just would like to hear other's experiences.Thanks for your support.

[siouxbee19 in reply to lettingoffsteam]

That's awesome about your weight loss and food habits. I personally feel that it plays a huge part in our health. It is refreshing and informative speaking with like-minded individuals, so thank you for that! Wishing you continued wellness...😀

[lettingoffsteam in reply to siouxbee19]

Thank you Siouxbee19 I hope you continue to feel well and thank you for your support.