Mitral valvular disease, chest and abdominal pain

I recently had an cardiac echocardiogram, and would like an interpretation of the findings which are the following:
1. moderate left ventricular hypertrophy
2. left atrial dilatation
3. aortic valve sclerosis w/mild aortic insufficiency
4. mitral annular calcification w/myxomatous changes and mild mitral insufficiency
5. mild tricuspid insufficiency
6. evidence of diastolic dysfunction

Does the above findings mean that I am headed for cardiac catherization or surgery to repair valve problems?

P.S.  In past years I have had tachycardia and an audible clicking sound coming from my chest.  This has been helped by previous beta-blockers and now Cardizem CD medication.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

1. moderate left ventricular hypertrophy

The left ventricular tissue is usually less than 1.3 cm thick in the septum.  Any thickness greater than that is considered left venticular hypertrophy.  Moderate LVH simply means that there is a moderate degree of hypertrophy.  An identifiable reversible cause should be pursued like high blood pressure.

2. left atrial dilatation

Left atrial dilation is common with LVH.  It reflects that the pressures in your heart are elevated or the volume of blood in your atria is elevated.  This might be from pressure overload associated with LVH or from the leaking mitral valve. Mild mitral insuff is unlikely to volume overload the atria.

3. aortic valve sclerosis w/mild aortic insufficiency

This is not a big concern.  Mild aortic insuff. does not require any direct therapy and the sclerosis means that the valve has some scarring around it but is not narrowed.

4. mitral annular calcification w/myxomatous changes and mild mitral insufficiency

Mild mitral insuff is not a reason for repair and does not require any specific therapy.

5. mild tricuspid insufficiency

Again, of little consequence and does not require specific therapy.

6. evidence of diastolic dysfunction

This is associated with the LVH.  It is important to reveres the underlying cause of the LVH is if possible -- often blood pressure related, but in some people there is no clear cause.


I don't think there would be a need for a cardiac cath or surgery based on the echo findings listed above.  There may be other issues involved -- like chest pains -- that would make them want to do a cardiac catheterization but nothing that you mentioned above.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.