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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Confused about echocardiogram
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Confused about echocardiogram
by navyard, Jan 28, 2003 12:00AM
In July, 2001 I woke up in the middle of the night, went to the bathroom and passed out. I was sweating, had nausea and burning in my chest. Went to the er and they kept me for tests. Stress test was normal, echo showed mild MVP with mild regurgitation of all 4 valves. They said I was fine and released me. In November of this year it happened again. Had a repeat echo done and I had the same results, said my fainting was due to vaso vagal. My question is, is my echo normal, I read somewhere that people under 50 shouldn't have any aortic regurgitation ( I am 43). Is this true? Do you think I need to take antibiotics, one doctor said yes, the other said no. Do I need follow up echos? The cardiologist said I am fine, and he detects no murmur with a stethoscope. What is your opinion on all of this?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Jan 28, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Navyard,
Sorry to hear about your episodes of fainting. It is likely that your episodes of fainting are due to a vasovagal reaction. However, it may be a good idea to have a holter monitor study done to help determine whether or not an arrhythmia could have caused these episodes . The holter monitor is a device worn for 24 to 48 hours which records the heart's electrical activity. A loop recorder may also be another option if the holter monitor is negative. The loop recorder is a device which records the heart's electrical activity for up to 1 month. I would discuss this with your doctor to determine whether or not he/she thinks that an arrhythmia is a potential cause.
Trivial regurgitation of the tricuspid and mitral valves is very common in the general population. Regurgitation of the pulmonic valve is less common but not of signifcant consequence. However, regurgitation of the aortic valve is abnormal and you should take antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures. Trivial regurgitation of heart valves often does not produce an audible murmur. You should be followed with yearly echocardiograms or if symptoms develop. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
Sorry to hear about your episodes of fainting. It is likely that your episodes of fainting are due to a vasovagal reaction. However, it may be a good idea to have a holter monitor study done to help determine whether or not an arrhythmia could have caused these episodes . The holter monitor is a device worn for 24 to 48 hours which records the heart's electrical activity. A loop recorder may also be another option if the holter monitor is negative. The loop recorder is a device which records the heart's electrical activity for up to 1 month. I would discuss this with your doctor to determine whether or not he/she thinks that an arrhythmia is a potential cause.
Trivial regurgitation of the tricuspid and mitral valves is very common in the general population. Regurgitation of the pulmonic valve is less common but not of signifcant consequence. However, regurgitation of the aortic valve is abnormal and you should take antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures. Trivial regurgitation of heart valves often does not produce an audible murmur. You should be followed with yearly echocardiograms or if symptoms develop. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
