I have mild cardiomegaly. Is it treatable? Fatal?

Question

I'm 19. I took a chest xray in 2006 which came back normal and took another one 2 weeks ago. The doctor said that everything appeared normal except one thing. My heart has slightly enlarged since my last chest xray in 2006, but it is still in normal limits.

Now I am being referred to the cardiologist which I already set up an apppointment for.

I do not have high blood pressure and my general doctor said my heart rate seems normal and he does not hear any murmurs when checking me.

However, I have gained more than 10 pounds within the year which everyone has been noticing becuase they ask if I am getting fatter. I've been less active and lately I've been having shortness of breath and heavy breathing from doing little things. But in PE I am still able to run 15 minutes on the treadmill without gasping for air. I don't know, its wierd. I am a very anxious person, so there is also a chance that part of my breathing problem is that.

Is this cardiomyopathy? Heart failure? Or what?

My cardiologist app was set all the way til may 5, but since my mom works in the hospital and knows the cardiologist she was able to move it to the 15. I shall be seeing him sooner which is good.

But at my age Im just scared of needing a heart transplant or anything. If I have to change my lifestyle (diet and being more active) then I have no problem with that. But if it is something uncontrollable then I that is what I am scared of.

Answer 1

Cardiomegaly isn't a condition within itself, but a sign of an underlying problem. Its important that you keep the appointment with the cardiologist, so that you can determine what is causing the increase in the size of your heart.

Some things that can cause cardiomegaly are: high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, weakness of the heart muscle, anemia, thryoid disorders, excessive iron buildup in the body, or abnormal protein deposits in the heart.

Because your heart usually enlarges more in one particular part, it affects the organ's ability to pump blood efficiently. Because of that, its not abnormal to experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling.

Only your doctor can look at your entire medical history and make a determination about what could be causing your cardiomegaly. Luckily, most of the conditions that cause this are easily treatable, and by treating the condition, you prevent the heart from continuing to enlarge.

My grandmother also has an enlarged heart. She, too, was diagnosed early in life. Her cardiomegaly was caused by a combination of her high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism. She manages both of these problems and has had no heart problems whatsoever. I wish you the best of luck at your appointment!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Mild Cardiomegaly

Answer 4

Although your physician is the best judge but I don't think so you will be requiring any pacemaker stuff etc. Here is an article I have searched out for you can be helpful to relieve off your anxiety:

Answer

Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) is not a disease but a sign of an underlying problem. It can have many causes, including:

* High blood pressure
* Heart valve disorders
* Weakness of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
* Severe anemia
* Thyroid disorders
* Excessive iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
* Abnormal protein buildup in an organ (amyloidosis)

In some people, an enlarged heart causes no signs or symptoms. Others may experience:

* Breathing difficulties
* Shortness of breath
* Dizziness
* Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
* Swelling (edema)

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of enlarged heart.
Best of luck, discuss with an open heart with your cardiologist.

Answer 5

Cardiomegaly Definition

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I have mild cardiomegaly. Is it treatable? Fatal?
I'm 19. I took a chest xray in 2006 which came back normal and took another one 2 weeks ago. The doctor said that everything appeared normal except one thing. My heart has slightly enlarged since my last chest xray in 2006, but it is still in normal limits.

Now I am being referred to the...

Answer 7

I can certainly understand your concern. My wife was recently diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

The cardiologist will likely want to check your left ventricular ejection fraciton (LVEF) using an echocardiogram. They will also probably do an ECG. These two non-invasive tests will establish if you have cardiomyopathy or not, and you can go from there.

If you do have cardiomyopathy, treatments have gotten much better in the past 15-20 years, with new findings coming out on a regular basis. Some of the literature you find on the internet hasn't caught up to all of these advances. So please don't be too anxious about the need for a heart transplant or the risk of death. You have a long way to go before any of that would be a concern.

Answer 8

In 2005, a chest xray showed I had mild cardiomegaly, enlarged heart. I had been experiencing heart racing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lungs filling with fluid and severe blackouts. I was not properly diagnosed and suffered many years, always being told, "We recommend when your heart is racing, to stop your activity." Before a surgery for right SI fusion, I scheduled for myself "Cardiac Clearance for Surgery" with a cardiologist. The cardiologist ordered an echocardiogram and diagnosed me with Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure, NYHA Class 2. I then got a second opinion from a cardiologist when the anesthesiologist canceled my surgery stating he believed I was going into cardiac arrest. Regions Heart Unit, St. Paul, MN cardiologist ordered three days of heart monitoring, advised me my heart had an electrical problem. I was treated with Carvedilol. My heart palpitations have gone away entirely. I do not have shortness of breath while sitting. I do not black out. My other ortho problems keep me from being active so I do not know if I could tolerate activity or not.
If an ECHOCARDIOGRAM is not ordered for you, DEMAND ONE. GET AS MANY OPINIONS AS YOUR INSURANCE OR POCKET BOOK CAN AFFORD.
Julie Hartzell, Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure, NYHA Class II
P.S. It took me 7 to 8 years to get the proper diagnosis and treatment

Answer 9

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Answer 10

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Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).

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