Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Male 74. Went To E.R. For Lower Back Pain .
Question: Male 74. Went to E.R. for lower back pain. Had a CT scan. Report said "Cardiac Enlargement". Got me scared. Doc didn't say anything about it. No EKG, no Rx. Did some research. Found ten symptoms. I don't have ANY of them. But a website said age can have something to do with it. I feel like a teenager. No symptoms of it at ALL. Could I have had it for a long time and do I panic?
Brief Answer:
Usually, nothing to be too concerned about
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
An enlarged heart at your age would usually be due to heart hypertrophy, or thickening of the muscle of the heart.
Like any other muscle, the heart muscle will enlarge if it has to work harder than usual. I would want to know if you had high blood pressure at all since that is a common cause and would explain this finding.
However, this change takes place over several years, and so you most likely had this for a long time and didn't know it. Sometimes this can develop into heart failure, which would cause symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling in your legs.
As long as you don't have any of these symptoms, and your blood pressure is controlled (ideally under 130/80mmHG), then there isn't anything you necessarily need to do about it, though you might talk with your doctor about getting an echocardiogram just to see exactly how the heart is pumping blood.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions, I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Usually, nothing to be too concerned about
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
An enlarged heart at your age would usually be due to heart hypertrophy, or thickening of the muscle of the heart.
Like any other muscle, the heart muscle will enlarge if it has to work harder than usual. I would want to know if you had high blood pressure at all since that is a common cause and would explain this finding.
However, this change takes place over several years, and so you most likely had this for a long time and didn't know it. Sometimes this can develop into heart failure, which would cause symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling in your legs.
As long as you don't have any of these symptoms, and your blood pressure is controlled (ideally under 130/80mmHG), then there isn't anything you necessarily need to do about it, though you might talk with your doctor about getting an echocardiogram just to see exactly how the heart is pumping blood.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions, I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I do have high blood pressure but under control. Thank you doc. I guess it's all part of getting old. I feel great. But was really worried. I'm guessing that it isn't at a "dangerous" level since I don't have any symptoms. One other question. Can it be controlled???
Brief Answer:
The heart muscle may improve with blood pressure control.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, it makes sense that you would have high blood pressure, and perhaps you had it for awhile before you became aware of it. Since you are not having symptoms, I would say you have a good prognosis and there is a good chance you will never have any problems with the heart.
Medications to control the blood pressure can help to relieve some of the stress on the heart, and this may decrease the size of your heart over time. I would just keep focused on keeping your blood pressure under good control and that should make the most difference in keeping your heart in good shape.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
The heart muscle may improve with blood pressure control.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, it makes sense that you would have high blood pressure, and perhaps you had it for awhile before you became aware of it. Since you are not having symptoms, I would say you have a good prognosis and there is a good chance you will never have any problems with the heart.
Medications to control the blood pressure can help to relieve some of the stress on the heart, and this may decrease the size of your heart over time. I would just keep focused on keeping your blood pressure under good control and that should make the most difference in keeping your heart in good shape.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
My doctor called and said the "nodule" on the CT scan was scar tissue. And he didn't say anything about the cardiac enlargement but wants me back in 6 months for an 'imaging' (???). I guess that means I'm doing ok. Anyway, I feel terrific and I guess I can "relax" about all this. Thank you so much for you text. I read it several times to stay encouraged. Be blessed. Come on down to South XXXXXXX on the Gulf of Mexico and get some grilled Red Snapper fillets, bacon wrapped stuffed grilled jalapenos and 3 gallons of gumbo.
Brief Answer:
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
I think you are doing fine, I wouldn't be too worried and try to relax. You be blessed as well, I was just in Louisiana visiting a buddy and we had some good crawfish down there. But the bacon wrapped stuffed grilled jalapenos sound good too, I'll have to ask for those next time I'm down there.
Please let me know if there's anything else I can help with in the future, thank you for your question and take care.
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
I think you are doing fine, I wouldn't be too worried and try to relax. You be blessed as well, I was just in Louisiana visiting a buddy and we had some good crawfish down there. But the bacon wrapped stuffed grilled jalapenos sound good too, I'll have to ask for those next time I'm down there.
Please let me know if there's anything else I can help with in the future, thank you for your question and take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I'm honored to know you. Halve the jalapenos length wise, clean out the seeds, stuff with cream cheese, wrap in bacon and bake 350 degrees until the bacon is done. Bon appetite!!!
Brief Answer:
Sounds good
Detailed Answer:
Likewise. I will make sure to check out those jalapenos. Take care!
Sounds good
Detailed Answer:
Likewise. I will make sure to check out those jalapenos. Take care!
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
