confused 🤷‍♀️

[Casey_87]

Hi

So I had and ECG whilst I was admitted to A&E, this picked up left ventricular hypertrophy. I was called to the doctor surgery to have this repeated which came back the same. After having an echocardiogram that has come back all normal same as my blood results. I do have high blood pressure but this is just been maintained with lifestyle changes due to my age (32)

I’m slightly confused 🤷‍♀️ with the ECG saying one thing and the echocardiogram saying another, I should of asked this question at the time but my kind was blank and as usual the questions come hours later.

Anyone else this?

[Hidden]

Hello Aussie_lass87, I understand your confusion. I've had similar experiences where one test contradicts another. I'm no expert as I've only had heart problems for less than a year. There might be others on the forum that have a better insight than me; however I would suggest that you speak to your GP about your concerns. I'm sorry that I can't be of anymore help, or alleviate your worries, and I hope you get some answers soon.

[Thecyclist]

You can have LVH and a normal Echo and indeed "normal" ECG (as in no arrhythmia's or MI seen). LVH is where the left ventricular side of the heart is enlarged normally due to high BP, the heart muscle thickens due to being "overused", but it can be down to other factors, extreme exercise being one other.

Your "normal" echo was probably due to no heart structure abnormalities being seen and a normal Ejection Fraction (EF - how much blood your heart is pumping by volume).

When a normal echo is confirmed along with LVH, there is less of a concern as the heart is generally OK, doctors get more concerned where LVH is picked up with other heart issues such as arrhythmia's.

LVH can also be reversible in many cases, if mild, it is also not of a significant concern if BP is controlled and does not get worse.

This is what I was told when I got LVH picked up a couple of years ago.

In any case you should speak further with your doctors to allay your concerns as I can only speak for myself.

[Casey_87 in reply to Thecyclist]

Thank you for your comment, my bp is 131/98 on average. I eat healthy and drink on the odd occasion. I’m just getting back into running to see if this has an effect on my bp. My go doesn’t want to do anything. Thank you for explaining the lvh, I have a follow up in 2 weeks so I will ask my gp, just to confirm this lvh. Originally on my ecg it showed LVH right bundle branch block and sinus rhythm, but the echo showed that my heart was healthy. I’m just a little confused.

[lettingoffsteam]

Hi there, LVH can be picked up on ECG, echocardiogram or both depending on your condition.It is good that the echo didn't detect any sign of LVH and that should be reassuring to you.

Going forward, since you are so young, bp control is vital.You say lifestyle changes have helped, what is your bp now?With even the suggestion of lvh it is important to maintain a blood pressure at healthy levels.

I have mild lvh picked up on both ecg and echo so not great but a cardiologist told me that keeping my bp low would keep it at bay.Meds are keeping it really rather low but I also changed my diet, lost a lot of weight and upped my exercise.

I was pretty horrified when first diagnosed and it made me anxious but there are plenty of things you can do to help. Take care.

[Janouska]

Hi there, I agree you should get reassurance from your doctor. I first had a heart rhythm abnormality found in 2004 when I had a 'turn' in Covent Garden (outside not at the opera, although it was a bit Diva-ish). I went to dr with ECG print out and she said lots of people have abnormalities and not to worry. Then it was found again in 2019 after some problems at night (high bp and feeling breathless - but had just stopped hrt). this time dr sent me for echo and it came back OK except for LV stiffening. I am 61 now so she said it was just age. Then had another high pulse rate issue and as bp seems to be going up and down and as have family history of heart issues have been put on statin (which struggling with). I know it is easy to say from an oldie like me but the best thing is not to worry about it. It is estimated there are many many people who have it and don't know. You have the benefit of knowing and can do all the good things that will keep you fit generally. If I had known earlier I would have (possibly?) treated my body more kindly. But I feel pretty fit and work out everyday...trying to keep my diet good but.... So I agree with others on this forum - speak to your doctor to get reassurance. Take care

[Casey_87]

Thank you everyone for your comments, I feel more at ease and will ask my gp the questions in 2 weeks at my asthma review. My bloods for my heart came back clear so that’s good news, it’s just the ecg result I need explaining better I think. Iv been doing some reading and that’s confused me more but sounds like echo confirms over ecg, as my ecg showed lvh, right bundle branch block and sinus rhythm.

[Mememe11]

Hi Casey_87

I am going through exactly this. Ecg showing same as you and echo normal. Bloods normal and blood pressure is okay.

I’m waiting for appointment with cardiologist to discuss but feeling very anxious