apollo
  • Male
  • 14 Years
  • 29/01/2025

Could a heart hole that my cousin had as a baby still be an issue now that he's 14 years old? Should we be worried about any lingering effects, or is it likely that it closed up on its own over time?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

It is possible that your cousin still has a heart hole, also known as a congenital heart defect. To determine if the hole is still present, he would need to undergo medical evaluation, which may include imaging tests such as an echocardiogram. Treatment options for a heart hole may include medications such as aspirin or blood thinners, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is important for your cousin to follow up with a cardiologist for further assessment and management.

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Consult a Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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  1. Heart Hole Overview
    A heart hole, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD), can sometimes close on its own during childhood.

  2. Potential Lingering Effects

    • Some defects may persist.
    • Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or frequent respiratory infections could indicate issues.
  3. Recommendation

    • Follow-up with a cardiologist is crucial to assess current heart function.
    • Many children with small defects do well without complications.
  4. Reassurance

    • It's common for small defects to resolve naturally, but monitoring is important to ensure your cousin's health.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist

Answered 20/08/2025

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I'm really worried because I'm 26 and I've been having some heart pain, shortness of breath, and light dizziness. My lipid profile is normal, but my 2D Echo showed a Left ventricle size of 4.0 x 3.0 cm, IVSD 0.8 cm, LVPW 0.8 cm, EF 47, and FS 23. Everything else seemed normal. Is this something I should be really concerned about? Is it fixable, and can I get back to my normal life? I'm feeling scared and unsure about what steps to take.

Based on your symptoms and the findings from your 2D Echo, it is important to further evaluate your condition. The slight heart pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness could be indicative of a cardiac issue. With an EF of 47% and FS of 23%, there may be some impairment in your heart's pumping function. To address this, you may benefit from medication to improve your heart function and symptoms. I recommend starting with a beta-blocker such as Metoprolol (25-50 mg once daily) to help reduce your heart's workload and improve its efficiency. Additionally, an ACE inhibitor like Enalapril (5-10 mg once daily) can also be beneficial in improving heart function. It is important to follow up with a cardiologist for further evaluation and management. Lifestyle modifications such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are also crucial in improving your heart health. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many individuals can lead a normal life with cardiac conditions. Remember, early detection and management are key in addressing any potential heart issues. Take care and follow up with your healthcare provider for personalized care and guidance

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I'm a bit concerned about my echocardiography results. It mentions "Grade I LV diastolic dysfunction" and "Trace AR." Can you explain what these mean? Like, how serious is this, and what should I be thinking about or doing next?

Grade I diastolic dysfunction means there is mild impairment in the relaxation of the left ventricle. As for trace aortic regurgitation, it indicates a small amount of blood leaking back into the heart's left ventricle during the relaxation phase. For Grade I LV diastolic dysfunction, you may be prescribed medications such as ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril 10mg once daily to help with blood pressure control and heart function. For trace AR, you may not need any specific treatment but regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is recommended.

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I'm 27 and have had no bad habits. For the last eight months, I've been experiencing these quick chest pains on the left side; they just last about 5 to 15 seconds, and they come and go. I've been to the cardiologist and had around 20 ECGs, an echo, and a lipid profile done, and everything came back normal. The thing is, I don't feel any pain during heavy work, just at random times. I'm worried and wondering if this is a heart issue or maybe something physiological? Also, at home, my heart rate is slow, but as soon as I enter the hospital and the tension hits, my heart rate spikes. What could be going on?

It sounds like you may be experiencing episodes of non-cardiac chest pain, especially since your cardiology checkups including ECG, echo, and lipid profile have come back normal. Non-cardiac chest pain can be caused by issues such as muscle strain, anxiety, or gastrointestinal problems. Since your symptoms have been ongoing for eight months and are not related to heavy work, it is less likely to be a heart-related issue. To help with the chest pain, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques or deep breathing exercises may help with episodes of high heart rate related to tension. If the chest pain persists or worsens, it would be advisable to consult with a doctor for further evaluation and management.

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.