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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
echocardiogram results
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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echocardiogram results
by fedup100, Jul 12, 2009 01:12PM
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.
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.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jul 13, 2009 11:16AM
, Jul 13, 2009 11:16AM
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.
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.
