Ventricular aneurysms are one of the many complications that may occur after a heart attack. The word aneurysm refers to a bulge or ‘pocketing’ of the wall or lining of a vessel commonly occurring in the blood vessels at the base of the septum, or within the aorta. In the heart, they usually arise from a patch of weakened tissue in a ventricular wall, which swells into a bubble filled with blood. This, in turn, may block the passageways leading out of the heart, leading to severely constricted blood flow to the body. Ventricular aneurysms can be fatal. They are usually non-rupturing because they are lined by scar tissue
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath during exercise or when lying flat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fluid retention causing swelling in the ankles, legs, feet and/or abdomen
- Heart palpitations
Diagnosis
- Angiogram
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan.
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment
- Medication
- Statins
- Vasodilators
- Ventricular Reconstructive Surgery
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
