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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Mild pulmonary hypertension
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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Mild pulmonary hypertension
by osiag, Nov 28, 2005 12:00AM
I have had serial echos since 2001 to watch mild AI. I have noted that the est. PA sys pressure was mildly elevated (30-35) on the last echo. Over the years the est. PA sys pressures were 30 (2001), 25 (2002), 20-25 (2003), 25-30 (2004), and 30-35 (2005). Not much of a trend since it starts at 30 in 2001. My cardiologists notes that the echos are essentially the same in all regards over the years. Here is my 2005 echo: Left atrium =4.2, LVED =5.0, LVES =2.9, IV septal thickness =11, LV posterior wall =10, septum/post wall ratio =1.1, normal wall motion, EF =60%, RV =2.0, RA normal size, PA normal, AV excursion =1.9, AV peak velocity =1.7, MV E-F slope =150mm/sec, est. PA sys pressure =30-35, est. mean left atrial pressure =9-10, no pericardial effusion. From 2001 to 2005, insufficiency has been mild on AV, and trace on MV, PV, and TV. I have no symptoms and very good exercise capacity (I can get into the 7th level on the Bruce protocol). Is there a concern with the pulmonary pressure in the context of everything else? I have an routine physical scheduled in two days with the cardiologist. Is there anything that I should ask?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Nov 28, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 28, 2005 12:00AM
Osiag,
Thanks for the post.
Looking at numbers form an echo is like looking at each of the pixels from a picture and gives an incomplete picture. Without seing the echo its impossible to fully answer your question.
A lot of things can cause pulmonary hypertension such as lung disease, heart disease, and rheumatologic disease. The most common cause is generally systemic hypertension and its long standing effects on the heart.
Overall, there is nothing overly concerning with your described echo, especially if you do not have any symptoms. I would make sure your blood pressure is under good control and keep routine followups with your physician.
good luck!
Thanks for the post.
Looking at numbers form an echo is like looking at each of the pixels from a picture and gives an incomplete picture. Without seing the echo its impossible to fully answer your question.
A lot of things can cause pulmonary hypertension such as lung disease, heart disease, and rheumatologic disease. The most common cause is generally systemic hypertension and its long standing effects on the heart.
Overall, there is nothing overly concerning with your described echo, especially if you do not have any symptoms. I would make sure your blood pressure is under good control and keep routine followups with your physician.
good luck!
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