Echocardiogram scheduled...what questions to ask?

[Kat349]

I have an echocardiogram scheduled for next week and was wondering what questions I might ask the technician and/or my GP to get information, hopefully that will ease my mind. I know this is the cardiologist's usual responsibility but I will not be seeing him again and instead will be going to my GP to review the report and would like to already have some idea of what questions to ask.  I have had a terrible experience with the cardiologist and no longer trust his judgment. I am hoping the echo will affirm that my heart is in good health, then I can take my time in finding a new cardiologist and/or EP. Any information will be appreciated.

[JohnWright]

What percentage of the Left Ventricle is pumping? After heart artery blockage a portion of the LV can stop effectively pumping.
How much leakage is there through the Mitral Valve and other valves in the heart? The MV between the Left Atrium and Venticle usually leaks a very small amount, which is not a concern.
Calculate the LV Ejection Fraction, which should be between 55 and 65%, which is now much blood the LV pumps with each beat.  

[Bromley]

You can also ask a question like, "Is this doctor going to be available when I need them"?  Afterall, what good are they if they are so busy that they cant see you?

[Bromley]

Hi. The echo needs to be interpreted before it generates useful information that leads to the proper course of action for you. A GP is a perfectly good doctor, but they do not specialize. This does have some drawbacks if you are trying to get an echo interpreted.

Personally, I view the issue as a matter of selecting someone "informed and qualified" for the purposes at hand.  "Informed" because even a qualified individual will make mistakes if they haven't been told what is going on. Being "qualified" includes possessing the characteristic of "trustworthiness". A person may be qualified in every  other sense, but if they can not be trusted to act in your interest when faced with a conflict, what good are they going to be to you? "for the purposes at hand" means for example, if you are in a life threatening situation, you may choose differently. For example, you may choose to get a primary and secondary opinion from specialists. Or in addition you may want to validate the trustworthiness of a person by asking someone you do trust to give you a referral. If you trust your GP, perhaps you would trust his choice or recommendation for a cardiologist.  If the one you dont like is the one he recommended, you can ask him for his second choice.

I recommend being a little creative with this.  There are all sorts of ways to get what you need...  But in your own best interest, make sure you can trust your doctor, and that they are qualified for the job.