Left ventricular hypertrophy

[Toynbec]

Just been diagnosed with this following an ECG for shortness of breath and discovery of a heart murmur. Waiting for an appointment with a Cardiologist. Need some reassurance as to what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Take blood pressure tablets.

[EJhn]

Hello Toynbec. I am a 74 year old female and I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the middle of last year; completely out of the blue. I didn’t even visit the doctor with any physical symptoms as there had been a lot of family upheaval and loss. She discovered a heart murmur which led me on the path to the cardiologist, an MRI scan and medication for high blood pressure and beta blockers. The shock has been devastating and I wish I didn’t know about it as the anxiety has really knocked me for six. I am beginning to accept it now and try to focus on the fact that I have no painful symptoms, only unusual tiredness sometimes.

I’m sure you will begin to feel less anxious. Other than taking the meds I am trying to slow down and think of myself a bit more. Totally alien to me after raising three sons and having four grandchildren and two great granddaughters. I’ve always felt the the ‘one’ who needed to be strong and to hold everyone together. I guess that must necessarily change now.

The cardiologist is helpful and supportive and I believe I am getting the correct treatment now. Sending you best wishes and please write if you need more information. Liz