Worry about trace AI?

[liza669]

I am 45 years old, had an echo for a Grade 1 heart murmur that I have had most of my life (never had an echo before) .. it showed Trace aortic regurgitation, nl LV, ejection fraction 71%, mildlly elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure. The valves were structurally normal. I have very periodic mild palpitations (once a week for a few seconds) and no other symptoms, no swelling, no fatigue. I exercise regularly and do not have htn or any other impairments.

The doctor said the only valve they were worried about is the aortic valve, but to re-echo in 5 YEARS??? It seems to me that aortic insufficiency would prompt more frequent serial echos? Should I get a second opinion? Also, he interpreted this echo while I was sitting there- took him all of 60 seconds. I am concerned that he over-read it. Can anyone guide me here?

[kenkeith]

A trace or mild leakage of a valve is almost always considered medically insignificant.  You have good systole function of the left ventricle evidenced by an EF of 71%...indicates the amount of blood pumped into circulation with each heartbeat...nl is 45 to 75% and 71% indicates a strong heart.

There are computerized algorithms that rely on the subjectivity of the echo tech to estimate with a transducer the dimensions, etc. of the area of interest and print out calculations.

Mildly elevated pulmonary pressure relates to the right side of the heart and the resistance it pumps against.  Sometimes the problem, if any, is the pulmonary artery itself and/or the lungs.  

The echo is not much help for symptoms related electrical impulses.  An EKG should be the test for any irregularity of heartbeats.  The EKG may not be helpful if the mild palpitations if there is not an episode at the time...sometimes it is necessary to wear a holter to capture an event if it is a problem that needs attention  Take care!.