Enlarged Heart

[Truffles2]

I had 3XCABG mid feb. Lately I’ve been getting more breathless and was advised by the cardiac rehab nurse to see my GP so I saw him this morning, was sent me for X-ray and blood tests. He rang me at 6 this evening. The Xray said I had n enlarged heart and some of my blood tests were not right so has referred me for Echo but NHS it will take 6-8 weeks. Needless to say I am a bit worried he told me if I have worsening symptoms to go to A&E. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar?

[Hippiechic63]

Hi Truffles I have an enlarged heart, no one has explained why so I have no idea. Amongst other things I have moderate valve regurgitation and high BP along with ectopic beats. I have been waiting for an echo for 4 months now. When I rang the cardiology department a few days ago to see how the list is going they said it will be some time yet.

I suppose it depends on the area. I've just moved to Norfolk

Very frustrating and waiting anxiously x

[Truffles2 in reply to Hippiechic63]

I’m sorry to hear you have been waiting so long.

[JenWro in reply to Hippiechic63]

sorry to hear of your wait too. I’m in the same situation Hippiechic63 but in a different county. It appears that a few cardiologist have retired as well in the last year or two.

My first echo scan was in the Pandemic period and the health care specialist who I saw had travelled from Scotland, with only myself attending her clinic due to other patients not informing of their decision not to attend which was positive for me that the clinic was not cancelled.

I hope you next appointment is soon and keep us up to date with your journey. I’m waiting again and the waiting list is such it will be September October2023 even though it is classified as an emergency since my heart rate reduces to 34 which is another concern to enlarged heart is think. I find myself in a situation that I may be educated in other areas of life /profession but the heart lungs etc are a mystery to me and I am totally out of my depth with available knowledge. So any help and advice following on from your experience would be valuable to read. Thankyou ❤️stay safe and fabulous.

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Truffles2,

When I had my HA in March 2022, the CT Scan report noted that my heart appeared to be enlarged. I had additional testing done afterward and I saw a cardiologist, but no doctors discussed this with me or pointed out a problem.

Recently (about three weeks ago), I had a follow-up CT scan to check on a nodule in my right lung (which was also found during the HA). The nodule had not changed during the year, and my doctor stated that it is okay.

However, the CT scan reported that I had a stable enlarged heart and an enlarged diameter pulmonary artery. I am now waiting on an appointment with a pulmonary arterial specialist. The follow-up CT was really because I am still dealing with breathlessness/difficulty in breathing a year after my HA. I do sometimes have ectopics, but I have read from several people on this site that that can be normal. My doctor does not seem concerned about the ectopics and told me that I do not need to schedule a yearly appointment with a cardiologist at this time.

I guess that my response to you has not really been helpful. I just understand your worry about what the enlarged heart may mean. It is scary to read that in a report and then not have your doctor to explain what it could mean to your health.

Hopefully, you and your doctor will get your diagnosis sorted soon and things will be better. Take care and best wishes to you. ❤️

[Truffles2 in reply to Smitty1956]

it’s good to hear other people’s stories and experiences for me it’s the waiting the more I wait the more anxious I get the thing is I know it’s more likely to be something minor but I just can’t stop my brain. Let’s hope you get your appointment too X

[Smitty1956 in reply to Truffles2]

Thank you! I understand the racing brain part of it. I have anxiety, and my worry is usually much worse than actual procedures. Plus, I seem to worry about everything! I am trying to use breathing apps and mindfulness apps to help with my anxiety.

Hopefully, you won’t have to wait too long to find out what it means for your health, and whether you need to start any treatments I wish you the best! 😊

[Truffles2 in reply to Smitty1956]

thank you 🤞

[MummaSoap]

Hi Truffles

Sorry to hear this!

I had an enlarged heart when I was first diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (no idea if I still do or it’s improved since starting the medication).

I completely empathise with your frustrations around the “waiting game” but what I would say is if it was anything extremely serious, you would’ve been admitted and getting the tests as an impatient so although I know it’s far easier said than done, try to take comfort in knowing this.

I sincerely hope that you get your results soon and are able to find out what’s going on and work out the best treatment plan for you 🤞🏼🤞🏼

Keep us posted with how things are going.

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

[Truffles2 in reply to MummaSoap]

I will. It’s probably just a storm in a tea cup. It’s just I’m frustrated because I thought come 4 months post CABG I would be on the way to being back to normal but now feel I’ve taken step backwards but you are right if it was that urgent I’m sure they would of wanted me to go to hospital