HEART DISEASE EXPERT FORUM
echocardiogram results

echocardiogram results

I am a 37 year year old female. I have hashimoto's disease, endometrioisis and interstitial cystitis without prior history of heart problems. A few months ago I started to see a cardiologist for palpitations. He ordered a 24 hour holter and an echocardiogram. Since the tests I also developed shortness of breath that did not seem to be due to my asthma. I have a peak flow meter and my readings were 80-100% of maximum when I began to feel short of breath. My cardiologist has ordered a 30 day heart monitor and I still have a few days to go. In the meantime I requested my echo results. I would like help with interpreting some of the results.

What does it mean to have a grossly normal mitral valve?
What does "one cusp of the pulmonic valve opens adequately" mean?
Is the finding LA volume index: 33cc/m2 with range <28cc/m2 significant?

Thank you for responding to my question.
Related Discussions
242508_tn?1287427246
It means that the mitral valve looks normal.  It has two leaflets that open well and there is no mitral valve regurgitation.

Often times, it is only one of those leaflets (there are three) that we can see on a surface echocardiogram.  This is a limitation of the test.  If one of them looks ok, chances are the rest of them are normal as well.  

It means that the atrium is slightly enlarged.  This is a very mild enlargement but in the setting of palpitations may be suggestive of atrial fibrillation.  I wouldn't worry about it at this point, unless the holter is suggestive of atrial fibrillation.
Blank
Continue discussion Blank
Go
Request an Appointment
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1329053231
Blank
Love, endorphins and biochemistry. ... Blank
Feb 15 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
1684282_tn?1311133646
Blank
Pregnancy and Addiction
Feb 14 by Julia M Aharonov, DOBlank
514494_tn?1329196433
Blank
What's the Best Type of Mattress?
Feb 13 by Adam Tanase, D.C.Blank