Dilated left ventricle cardiomyopathy?

[Ninja457]

I had ct scan recently for chest pain and shortness of breath. It came back clear arteries but enlarged left ventricle. I now await echo ordered by cardiologist but have had no explanation of what an enlarged left ventricle means. Google says cardiomyopathy and this looks serious. It is always cardiomyopathy if it's dilated and will that always need medication?

[Shar28]

Hello, I’m afraid I cant answer your specific question but I would caution against relying on google. It may be dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and if so, a lot of info on google is out of date, not applicable to you unless you meet the exact profile of the participants of various studies and even just plain wrong. Good sources of info are BHF, Cardiomyopathy UK, NICE and NHS websites. That applies whether its DCM or something else.

And if it is DCM, there are treatment options which offer good results, good quality of life and good long term outcomes.

I think the worst part of a heart condition diagnosis is the waiting for further tests, etc so please try not to worry too much and be kind to yourself.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

[Letsallhope1]

Hello Ninja457

An enlarged left ventricle normally means that it is working harder that it should in order to pump blood around the body, this could suggest possibly a leaky valve but sadly you need to be patient and wait the echo report which will have a complete picture of how your heart is working and if not working properly what can be done to improve it (this could be with meds or surgery).

Truly wish you the best and please let us know how you’re getting on 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[Deejay62]

Hi I’m sorry you’re going through this at the moment.

Like others have said don’t put a label on this. Your test results will explain more. You might need further tests or and see a specialist depending on the tests. No one can diagnose you only a specialist/doctor after doing their various tests.

Try not to worry too much and stay off google, it would tell you you’re dying when you’re not even sick. An enlarged left ventricle can mean anything.

And remember these days the cardiologists are experts in everything concerning the heart.

[Ninja457]

Thanks everyone I guess I need to just be patient and wait rather than try to second guess any diagnosis! I'm hoping it could be nothing. Thanks again xxx