Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA)

A left ventricular aneurysm can occur soon after a heart attack if the left ventricular wall is damaged

About

Left ventricular aneurysms can happen as a result of a heart attack. If an area of the heart muscle is particularly weakened it can lead to an aneurysm. This can be treated with medicine. Alternatively, your consultant may recommend a surgical procedure depending on your health.

Need to know

There are often no specific symptoms relating to a left ventricular aneurysm but they may relate to impaired heart functionality. Possible symptoms might include:

  • extreme tiredness and/or breathlessness
  • leg, ankle or abdomen swelling
  • irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • heart palpitations

Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. They may then offer an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart's electrical activity.

Your consultant will discuss your left ventricular aneurysm treatment options with you. These might include medication to control blood flow. For example, an anticoagulant may be prescribed to help prevent blood clots forming. In other cases, your consultant may recommend a surgical procedure to cut out the aneurysm.

Our locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Cardiac Clinic

The Cardiac Clinic

London Bridge Hospital SE1 2PR London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.