What treatment is recommeded for enlargement of heart on one side?
Patient: I m a nervous grandma. My 4 year old granddaughter is having a procedure to fix a leaky heart valve which has been being monitored since she was very young in hopes it would seal. Consultant now says one side of heart is becoming enlarged so time to do something. Day surgery, through the groin. Is this a common procedure, what exactly do they do, and will the enlarged heart return to normal after and she will be 100% over time. Is currently active/healthy/happy but does sweat unusually and last weekend was very red-cheeked although still happy/active as usual. Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  As you described sweating it indicates heart isn't able to pump enough blood to meet the needs of body. Certainly time to do something. Every operative procedure has its risks involved. But if not treated risk of increasing current heart failure is more. Usually after procedure the symptoms resolve and growth of child improves. The heart comes to normal size in some weeks. So need to understand risks involved in treatment and leaving it alone. For more detailed counseling meet your cardiologist. Explain your expectations and listen about what is to be expected after the procedure.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.