A bulge in a weakened area of the left ventricular heart muscle

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A left ventricular aneurysm forms when a section of the heart muscle in the left ventricle (the chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the body) stretches and become very thin. This often is caused by a heart attack and can leave portions of the heart muscle dead or damaged.

What are the symptoms and complications of a left ventricular aneurysm?

If you develop a left ventricular aneurysm after a heart attack, you may experience symptoms such as:

Some aneurysms are small and will not cause symptoms or complications, but a large aneurysm can cause:

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Tests

Diagnosing a left ventricular aneurysm is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Heart Biopsy

In a heart biopsy, your doctor will remove small samples of your heart muscle tissue to monitor heart function or diagnose a problem.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Stress Tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms and chemically induced stress tests.

Treatments

Your doctor may recommend monitoring for a small aneurysm, but some ventricular aneurysms may require intervention. Our heart and vascular teams work together and with other specialties to develop and implement individualized treatment plans. This could include lifestyle modifications, medication or more advanced treatments.

Left Ventricular Reconstructive Surgery (Modified DOR Procedure)

During left ventricular reconstructive surgery, the left ventricle is reshaped to remove scar tissue caused by heart failure.