My husband has a history of heart disease and has stents and an ICD implant approx 6 years ago. (He went into VT after damage from a heart attack) He has never been shocked since and is stable regarding VT. He also has atrial fibrillation controlled by meds. He is on lots of medication for his heart and seems stable. Recently he has had swollen ankles, a completely new symptom! The doctor sent him for an echogram and he received a letter today with his results. I will write below what the clinical terms are. My husband is not a worrier, its me! Can anyone explain what the terminology means? I think it may mean a little heart failure but am not sure. I imagine age and history would be part of the diagnosis and for a man of his age and medical history, perhaps would not be unexpected. He is 70. We will speak to the GP next week and hopefully get an explanation, meantime any idea what it means anyone?
Mildly dilated left atrium, mild-moderate left ventricular systolic impairment with left wall hypokinesia. Valves normal. Advised no change to medication.
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oscar2
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Regarding the swollen ankles. From my own experience this may relate to some fluid around his heart or in his lungs.This is usually dealt with by medication. I now take Furosemide and Spirolactone daily on prescrition to keep any fluid at bay . I have had fluid build up in the past which caused seriously swollen ankles and calves but the meds. as mentioned now keep it at bay. I speak from my own experience and am not a medic. A doctor can usually detect fluid with a stethescope and sometimes he will request a lung ex ray to confirm his/her suspicions. Fluid should not be endured as it causes the heart to have to work harder and can cause breathelessness.
Hi have some if the things listed mild regurgitation and mildly dilated LVH I then had a BNP that has me at 180 80 over normal but heart failure starts at 400 , I am on beta blockers . A high dose 15mg but I feel fine a little breathless sometimes days . All I am doing is walking more snd eating more vegetables less meat and bread .
I haven’t needed an implant but the rest of your husband’s story is familiar. After a massive HA, cardiac arrest I’ve been left with non sustained ventricular tachycardia and PAF ( needed cardio version 3 months after HA). The arrhythmia’s are caused by the muscle damage from the HA. Hypokinesia as someone else has said is the muscle being stiff and not moving properly. I have that at the apex. I’m on eleperone which I was told is cardiac specific to help move fluid away from the heart. As well as all the other medications. Your GP might be able to explain things to you both??? Depends on your GP.
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