Low WBC and and Echogram

My husband has been fighting Bronchitis and the Flu for about 2 weeks.  His white blood cells have been low at 4 testings and yesterday - he was tested again and they were finally going up instead of down  - but our GP scheduled him for an untrasound on his heart.  What is he looking for??  He did not give us a valid explanation??

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough say what they were looking for without being present for the visit.  Typically when the body is fighting off infection, it may be possible for the WBC to transiently be low.  

Sometimes an echocardiogram can look for bacterial vegetations on the heart valves (i.e. endocarditis) that can cause insidious infection and may lower the WBC count - however that is only speculation.  

I would consider asking your physician why he/she is ordering the echocardiogram.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[kandylycker]

I had a complete physiscal done.  When the results can back everthing look ok.  However my white blood count was low 3.3.  So I had the doctor take another test.  Moreover I ask for a HIV test to be taken. Is there anything I should worried about.  The doctor also found a hernia, and I have been stress/depress too.  Could any of this cause a low WBC