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Xray showed a Enlarged Heart

Posted , 5 users are following.

mavis75447
mavis75447

Hello Everyone.

I was told by my GP yesterday that I may have Heart Failure due to the results from my xray showing I have a enlarged heart. She sent me today to have a load of blood tests one being the BNP,NT-pro. I am really scared as my sister died of a heart attack last November without warning. But I am really annoyed has she had the results from the xray since the 1/4/15 and I only could find out on the 16/4/15..Has anybody found out this way before and what is the prognosis I get everyone is different. But in general.

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • kathy80717
    kathy80717 mavis75447

    Posted

    Hi Mavis

    I would insist on your Gp making you an appointment to see a Cardiologist.

    You would automatically be worried if your sister died last year and you need some reassurance from a Cardiologist and explanation as to why your heart is enlarged. Dont feel you have to sit around worrying. Insist on an appointment. Your Gp is a general doctor not a specialist in Cardiac.

    Best of luck to you and try not to stress just get the ball rolling.Kathy

    • mavis75447
      mavis75447 kathy80717

      Posted

      Hi Kathy

      Thanks for your reply - been in touch to my GP and I'm urgently on the Cardioligist lis has my BNP blood test came back at 1246 and my ESR was raised by 50. All other test required no action. Can not stop being anxious just feels like there dragging feet.. 

  • grace50435
    grace50435 mavis75447

    Posted

    Well, I'm not an expert but my dad was told he had an enlarged heart (after having a lung X-ray) but his cardiologist later told him that wasn't accurate and he was fine.

    From what I know, even if it is heart failure, there are very good drugs to reduce swelling and in many cases, it can be reversed. The thing we have learned is that though you should listen to them, GPs are in no way experts, they are 'general' medicine and so the best person to help will be the specialist they refer you to.

    Best thing anyone can tell you is to take it easy (try not to google...that often only leaves you depressed) and wait to see the specialist. There really are some fantastic medications out there!

    • mavis75447
      mavis75447 grace50435

      Posted

      Hi Grace

       Thanks for reply - I'm trying to keep myself occuppied when I'm not too shattered to move. And yes google aint good for anxiety. My bnp blood was 1246 which supports the xray that image is real. But trying to be patient for cardio oppointment.

  • derek76
    derek76 mavis75447

    Posted

    Although the general term Heart Failure is frightening it can be well controlled and is not nearly as bad as it sounds. It doesn't mean that you will have a heart attack it means that your heart is not pumping blood around your body efficiently. if you go to the British heart foundation website you can download  the booklet 'Living with heart failure' . Doctors surgeries and hospital waiting areas usually have all the BHF booklets on display
    • mavis75447
      mavis75447 derek76

      Posted

      Hi Derek

      I will go and get one to read. Thanks for the Info it's all really helpful.

  • Valkyrie
    Valkyrie mavis75447

    Posted

    I was told i had an enlarged heart a few years ago. It turned out to be due to my aortic valve regurgitating some of the blood back instead of the direction it was supposed to go which made my heart have to work harder. Cardiologist managed my condition with blood pressure tablets for years but the doctors have to find out the reason it is enlarged with tests before they can help you as there can be different reasons for different people.

    After a few years my aortic valve got worse and worse and finally i had heart surgery but this does not happen to everyone. Sometimes the reason for the enlarged heart can be managed with drugs alone. I would be asking for a cardiologist appointment now as its often weeks before you can get to see one and the tests will be back by then.

    • derek76
      derek76 Valkyrie

      Posted

      The heart is like any other muscle if it has to exercise/work hard it gets bigger and there are many causes for it happening. For example with hypertension that is well controlled it can get smaller again.

      What always concerns me is how long that people can have heart failure without it being diagnosed. One of my neighbours evidently had it for years and it was only found when she moved home and registered with a new doctor and had a new patient examination.

      I must have had aortic stenosis for years without showing any symptoms and despite having had several ECG's, two echocardiograms and an angiogram. I had been told at various times in the previous eleven years that I had left ventricle hypertrophy and a murmur. 

      It was not until I had a very thorough medical examination when trying to get on to a tral for a new BP treatment that it was diagnosed. 

    • mavis75447
      mavis75447 Valkyrie

      Posted

      Hi Valkyrie

       Thanks for reply - I was told by my GP yesterday that they will do a few test to find cause and hopefully get me on medication or a treatment as soon as possible. my blood pressure was 160/90 pulse 87 he said not worry but I am because its getting higher. My practise cannot fully cope with its volume patients so I may as well start researching to move.. But I am suppose to be on a emergency urgent list...

  • roy27
    roy27 mavis75447

    Posted

    Derek is right it's worth having a good look at the BHF booklet, and their other booklets too.
    • mavis75447
      mavis75447 roy27

      Posted

      Hi Roy27

       Thanks for reply and I will go for the BHF booklet.

  • mavis75447
    mavis75447

    Posted

    Thanks all I may time to read this forum as my Husbands sister passed away very recently - But will put up dates on when I can... For now back to her children....
    • mavis75447
      mavis75447

      Posted

      Good Afternoon all 

      Yay at last appointment has come for the 9th May 2015 to Cardiologist  so hopefully his explantion will ease my mind.

       

    • Valkyrie
      Valkyrie mavis75447

      Posted

      That's very good. Start writing your list of the things you want to ask as you will probably be a bit worried when you get there and you might not remember. Hopefully they will tell you what it means in your case and what treatment they can offer if any is needed at this point. If it is a condition needing treatment, will it progress? What things, if any, can you do to improve the situation? Will there be a follow-up appointment?
  • roy27
    roy27 mavis75447

    Posted

    Pleased to learn you have an appointment with cardiologist. Ask plenty of questions and don't be afraid to quizz him/her thoroughly. good luck. Roy
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