echo was 'essentially' normal

[socknitty]

Last week I had an EKG. Dr office called today to let me know it was 'essentially' normal. Apparently there was a minor (?!) problem with systolic function. I'm wondering if I should take these results to a heart specialist or take my Rheumatologist at his word that I am 'essentially' normal and have nothing to worry about? No more details were given. I have a follow up with Rheumatologist in one year. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[socknitty]

Thank you so much for responding.

The Rheumatologist ordered Echo test along with pulmonary function tests as I have high level of ANA in the pattern for auto immune that can manifest in the lungs and heart area. Pulmonary tests did not show problems with lung function and heart test was 'essentially normal'.

I posted this question moments after getting the news that my Echo was 'essential normal', which didn't seem quite 'completely' normal to me at the time. Perhaps I over reacted a bit. :)

After some time to think and after reading your response, I now feel sure that if the Rheumatologist thought whatever it was that showed up in the heart test could be related to auto immune, he would have scheduled me to see him again right away. Instead, I will see him again in a year. I also assume if he thought 'whatever it was' was  a problem for me, he would have recommended I see a heart specialist.

My primary care doctor will get a copy of these reports. I see him in a month for yearly check up. We will talk about the test results then.

Thanks again for responding. You helped me greatly. :)
sn

[Jerry_NJ]

I would take my primary care doctor's recommendation on the need to see a heart specialist.   Best I can recall in my case this happened when my arrhythmia symptoms became too significant to ignore.  

I think you have been told there are no essential errors, i.e., not perfect, but perfect is not essential.  Yes, I'm trying to use the same word in a different sentence structure to try to make a point.  Don't read too much into any one word, your doctor said you are ok.  

You identify your doctor as a Rheumatologist.  Is he/she also your primary care doctor?  If not it could be a good precaution to get a full physical with a primary care doctor.