Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What doctor do I need to see and is my heart bad?

I had an ECHOCARDIOGRAM/DOPPLER report study in 2007. It said :
1.  Normal LV size, mild hypertrophy with normal systolic function.
2.  Moderate to severely dilated left atrium.
3.  Slightly dilated right atrium.
4.  Moderate mitral  regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgitation.
5.  Estimated PA pressure-40mmhg.
I have been frequently short of breath lately and my lower legs are swollen by afternoon. Do I need to see a cardiologist or can I go to my primary doctor for this. I don't want to waste anyones time. Does this report say I have a bad heart?
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
367994 tn?1304953593
You should consult with a cardiologist.  Your heart's pumping functionality (systole) is preserved, but there are some warning signs.  Of concern are moderate to severe left atrium (upper chamber) and moderate mitral regurgitation.  If left untreated, the result can be enlarged left ventricle, systole failure and myocardial infarction (heart attack).  You won't be wasting anyone's time.

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of your mitral valve regurgitation.  The amount of blood pumped into circulation may be compromised by some of the blood flows back into the left atrium with each heart beat rather than into circulation.

PA (pulmonary artery) pressure is the upper limit of normal.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Community

Top Heart Disease Answerers
159619 tn?1707018272
Salt Lake City, UT
11548417 tn?1506080564
Netherlands
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.