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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Sleep Apnea Cause Enlargement Of Heart?

I just returned by my heart doctor (I live in Maryland) and while I was there the questions didn't come but now that I'm home they are coming. She told me six months ago after a echocardiography that a part of my heart is enlarged and this is usally due to sleep apnea. This is my second echocardiography that shows the enlargement. I was tested and do have sleep apnea and was put on a bi-level cpap. My doctor was hoping to see some improvement but didn't. She said she will give me 6 more months on my machine and do another echocardiography and if there still is no change she wants to send me to John Hopkins or Washington Aventist for a test that they only do. I don't remember the name of the test. I researched and wondered if it may be an angiogram?
Tue, 3 Jan 2017
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I would like to know the detailed echo report so that I guide you precisely. Any sleep apnea can certainly lead to heart enlargement due to multiple reasons. It can damage the lung and secondarily lead to valve leakage and heart enlargement. It also predisposes one to blockages in the heart leading decreased heart function and enlargement.

Do you have any other symptoms like chest pain, heaviness, or sweating. If yes then you also need get one TMT test done. Do you have high blood pressure if yes it should be controlled. From your side, you need to get lipid profile and sugars tested, also thyroid levels. Regular exercises, low calorie and low fat, oily and sugar diet will help reducing weight and it's key in treatment of sleep apnea.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Sagar Makode
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Does Sleep Apnea Cause Enlargement Of Heart?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I would like to know the detailed echo report so that I guide you precisely. Any sleep apnea can certainly lead to heart enlargement due to multiple reasons. It can damage the lung and secondarily lead to valve leakage and heart enlargement. It also predisposes one to blockages in the heart leading decreased heart function and enlargement. Do you have any other symptoms like chest pain, heaviness, or sweating. If yes then you also need get one TMT test done. Do you have high blood pressure if yes it should be controlled. From your side, you need to get lipid profile and sugars tested, also thyroid levels. Regular exercises, low calorie and low fat, oily and sugar diet will help reducing weight and it s key in treatment of sleep apnea. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Sagar Makode