Does an EKG that shows some enlargement of the left ventricle mean it is definitive, or are further tests required to determine if it is true. The EKG is being compared to last years EKG which didnt show any enlargement.How serious is this at this stage?
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to Chat Doctor. I carefully read your query. EKG can detect enlargement of the left ventricle, but not with specificity. Furthermore, there has to be a cause to the enlargement, such as a heart attack. My opinion is that the EKG showed hypertrophy of the left ventricle (thickening of ventricle walls, which mainly happens due to hypertension). Let this aside, this conclusion can be further evaluated with echocardiogram. So, I would recommend you to proceed with an echocardiogram, where it can precisely be seen and evaluated the motility and function of the heart muscle, and the diameter and volume of all heart chambers. Also, valvular apparatus will be evaluated, and a possible valvular cause to this enlargement, if there is one, be sought. There can be also seen if there was a remote or recent heart attack. I hope this helps. Take care. Kind regards,