Is Slightly Dilated Left Ventricle Indicative Of Positive Heart Failure?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Answered on

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I am 40 and very overweight. working on that. I have 3 kids when I had my second pregnancy with my son I developed PVCs I got pregnant with my daughter 6 months after I had my son.6 weeks after I had an IUD and a few days after the placement I had an episode of Atrial Flutter. I still drink diet coke and I take .125 of Digoxin and 125 mg of Atenenol and 40 mg of Lisinopril for my high blood pressure. I still get PVCs that seem to corrolate to my Gerd and my menstral period. I have had an EKG and Echo the echo showed a very slight enlarged left ventrical that is so slight i may have been born with it per the Cardiologist. I have been told I am fine and to ignore them but I am convinved I am going to have heart failure. any calming advice or stern advice would be appriciated.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

First of all a slightly dilated left ventricule with normal function doesn't necessarily mean that you will develop heart failure in the future. This may be a common findings in obese patients without clinical significance.

However, I would like to make some suggestions about life style to prevent from any cardiac problems in the future:
- eat a healthy diet reach in fresh fruits and vegetables, poor in animal fats
- quit smoking, stop alcohol
- increased physical activity
- loose weight

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar