Struggling with ectopics and enlarged left ventricle

[andrea_waffle7]

Hello, I am new to this group. I am feeling very nervous and worried as I have been struggling for sometime with ectopic beats, now been told my left ventricle is enlarged as is my heart. Hoping medication will improve things, otherwise I will be placed on the heart transplant list. I am 48 and had surgery at 33. Anyone else in a similar situation?

[Faub]

Hi Andrea welcome to the group! I am 39 and have aortic regurgitation which is causing moderate dilatiin to my left ventricle and I am waiting for aortic valve replacement. Why type of surgery did you have in the past? Did they tell you why is causing the dilation and why?

[andrea_waffle7 in reply to Faub]

Hi, I had a mitral valve repair. Which was successful. Then 4 weeks after the surgery I had an ablation. Now the ectopic beats are back they think I have had Covid but I think my ectopics have been going on for a while, but all my regular check ups were over the phone so I will never know 100%. Just wish things had been looked into over lockdown. Have you got a date for your surgery? How are you feeling in yourself?

[Faub in reply to andrea_waffle7]

Oh I see. It's weird as a simple blood test would let you know if you had Covid and could clarify the situation a bit more. I believe even if covid is still around they can bring you in for tests if needed. In the last months I went in for tests twice prior to my operation, even if I don' t have a date for it yet (done a CAT scan and Holter).

I am quite lucky in a way as mine is a congenital problem and it has been monitored every year. They are suggesting surgery now cause I am still relatively asymptomatic and it will reverse my current dilation (hopefully).

[andrea_waffle7]

I am on Carvedilol 3.125mg, Candesartan 2mg but that is to be increased next week to 4mg. Plus another new medication after that not sure what that is yet. I struggle with most medication as I have low BP but just grin and bare it. I really hope I don’t have to have a transplant too, that’s what I am trying to get my head round.

[andrea_waffle7]

Hi there, it was the cardiologist who said Heart transplant but only if I deteriorate. Plus struggle with my breathing which I am not yet, coughing at times. My medication, bloods and EF are the goals. My EF was 37 which could be worse but dr said it is the enlarged left ventricle and enlarged heart plus enzyme from my liver showing 900 should be 400. So the aim is to sort out EF and size of heart and left ventricle and calm my ectopic down.

[Hidden in reply to andrea_waffle7]

Hello. Was just wondering how things are?

[andrea_waffle7 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, that is kind of you. I am doing OK off to cardiologist next week for an echocardiogram so will know more then. But feel much better in myself. Struggling with fatigue still not sure if that’s down to meds or my low BP. How are you?

Andrea

[andrea_waffle7]

No mention of that.

[Faub]

No it will be open heart, they said because I'm still young and fit I can take open heart, even becuase I chose the Ross procedure, don;t wanna be on warfarin for the rest of my life. I had already heart surgery when I was 15 to close a septal defect, so it will be my 2nd one.

[andrea_waffle7 in reply to Faub]

Good luck with your surgery, as you say best to have surgery while your young and fit. Take care

[Faub]

It has been mild for years and it got up to moderate in the last two years and they noticed Lv dilation. I have still only mild symptoms so they suggested to operate now as the dilation is still reversible.

[andrea_waffle7]

Thank you, I will certain mention that now. Thanks Alan