PVCs & LBBB & hypermobile interartial septum
What is does each of these terms mean in common
English. LBBB, PVCs, and is what hypermobile interartial septim and is it serious? My EF was 35% in Dec 2023 and is now 39%. I have no calcium blockages, no hardening of the arteries, high BP, AFIB I take Enalapril 2.5 per day. Can't tolerate more.
My cardio MRI was done 3-19-24 and these were the results but no one has explained these results to me and I am anxious.
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Premature Ventricular Contractions...you get extra, out-of-timing beats in your ventricles. Many EPs don't want to tackle these, maybe because their records of success are poor and not improving. Better to not do the procedure if it stands a poor chance of success. Some, comparatively few, of the best EPs can fix these and do it routinely.
Left Bundle Branch Block, meaning the left ventricle's descending branch from the Bundle of His is not working properly, so you get an abnormal heart rhythm. It's not generally serious as many live with it....untreated. However, if it happens to be coincident with another potentially serious problem, it should be taken as a serious matter needing treatment. In your case, it may be that your PVCs are a sign that you need mechanical intervention if anti-arrhythmic drugs are not likely to work or are not indicated in the literature. It may mean a catheter ablation for you in the weeks/months ahead.
I had to google hypermobile interatrial septum. It's the thin wall between the two top chambers of the heart that keeps the two upper pumps closed off from one another and working to force blood through the valves below them. You don't want leaky pumps! In this case, hypermobility means that the septum wall itself moves more than it ought to, maybe because of a genetic abnormality or a random defect that has, with age, begun to be more problematic, or possibly so. It's good they detected it early. I'm sure it can be fixed, but maybe open-hart might be needed for that...again, I don't know.
That these conditions are known is a good sign your team is getting things right for your sake. It won't be fun waiting for your turn to have them addressed, but I think they're all manageable.
@dizzyprizzy
LBBB, Left Bundle Branch Block. It is a common issue in heart which means there is blocking the electrical signal. Most of time is caused by infections/viruses (Cardiomyopathy) or heart attack. I have LBBB caused by a virus.
PVCs, Premature Ventricular Contractions, I have. But PVCs are quite normal even in healthy hearts. It is the amount of them and how many at a time that causing the issues. You will see AFIB. This is Atrial not ventricular and also very commone but most of time is not sustained. It is when it is sustained is a problem. Biggest issue with AFIB is increases the risk of strokes because of blood clotting.
You should really talk to a EP (Electrophysiologist) who is a cardiologist who specialiszes in electril function of heart. He/she can explain all this to you as a medical professional versus us layman.
The other question I cannot help with as I don't know either but a EP Would.
Your EF is not bad. Mine is 20 but has been around 20 or over 10 years. I have a AICD/Pacemaker since 2006. They usually put in a ICD around the EF or 30. I had both done and it helps the EF from continuing to get worse.
Did they not tell you what EF was? It is ejection fraction. The norm is 60-70 which means 60-70 pecent of the blood that flows into heart is ejected (EF) out into body. Even though mine is around 20 it is the LV. I have normal heart function on right ventricle which allows me to exercise without complications.
I will ask to see an EP. Thank you.
I have no co-morbidities with my LBBB. EF between 35 -39% depending on the test. No; smoking, low and now no alcohol consumption, not obese, active lifestyle, no AFIB, no elevated blood pressure averages 98/62 resting and heart rate is 58-62 resting on average. Cholesterol was slightly elevated but I corrected that with diet, now normal. I have no plaque in my arteries-anywhere, no valve problems, no diabetes, my left ventricle isn't balloon shaped and is of ordinary size and thickness, no aneurysms in heart or arteries. What is the problem? I am constantly dizzy and have PVCs that I only notice when I get the throbbing, ring around my temple to temple headache, and nausea. This happens when walking, gardening, biking, at cardio rehab on the bike, and most anxiety causing, while resting, watching golf or reading a book. Then I get out the KardiaMobile and take my ECG it I have PVCs, various waves Q and R heart rate is anywhere from 50 to 90 jumping around like a trampoline. My cardiologist says these infrequent PVCs are normal and told me she doesn't need to see me for a year. I am frankly skeptical of this assessment.
I think you are right to be skeptical. I would be. Perhaps not because of the odd run of PVC, but more-so due to the other unpleasant symptoms you report which are intrusive, worrying, unpleasant, and that affect your sense of security. IOW, I won't go so far as to discount her expertise about the inherent danger of some occasional PVCs, although hearing that kind of comment P's me off because it sounds dismissive, but most MDs know to treat their patients' symptoms seriously.
BTW, your self-description suggests to me an enviable condition in terms of overall health.
Thank you. I am trying to be positive and adjust to this new way of living well and reminding myself I am one of the lucky ones. Everyday is a gift..