Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
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.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.