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What Does My Echocardiogram Report Result Indicate?
Question: Had an echo done recently, report read
-non dilated left ventricle, normal ejection fraction and diastolic function
-not dilated right ventricle, good systolic function
-left atrium within normal limits by non-corrected volume criteria
-trivial regurgitation in mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary valves
-no obvious significant pericardial effusions
Want to know what it all means please?
Seen cardiologist as was told by two doctors two weeks apart I had systolic murmur. No murmur, likely innocent flow murmur caused by episodic sinus tachycardia. Still having unexplained blackouts (maybe seizures, under investigation) and brief episodes of palpitations with shortness of breath. Few months back had episodes of feeling faint, lightheaded, nausea, palpitations followed by trembling, lasting no longer than few minutes. Should I go back to doctor? Tried everything I can think of to fix it
-non dilated left ventricle, normal ejection fraction and diastolic function
-not dilated right ventricle, good systolic function
-left atrium within normal limits by non-corrected volume criteria
-trivial regurgitation in mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary valves
-no obvious significant pericardial effusions
Want to know what it all means please?
Seen cardiologist as was told by two doctors two weeks apart I had systolic murmur. No murmur, likely innocent flow murmur caused by episodic sinus tachycardia. Still having unexplained blackouts (maybe seizures, under investigation) and brief episodes of palpitations with shortness of breath. Few months back had episodes of feeling faint, lightheaded, nausea, palpitations followed by trembling, lasting no longer than few minutes. Should I go back to doctor? Tried everything I can think of to fix it
Brief Answer:
normal echo of the heart; possible panic attacks
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to Health Care Magic. Thank you for your question. I understand your concern.
This is a report of a normal echocardiogram, which means that your heart and valves are normal by size, structure and function. The murmurs that may have been reported can sometimes be heard on a basis of a hyper dynamic state of the heart (such as tachycardia), where the blood can be "splashed" more forcefully within the heart and, thus, produce a heart murmur. These kind of murmurs are called functional murmurs, which means that they are not produced from an organic issue and, thus, are benign.
Since you have reported these kinds of symptoms, epilepsy and epileptic attacks are included in the differential diagnosis. Although personally my opinion is that there is a slight possibility that this is true, it is not impossible. However, since the tests are under way, it is only after they are carried out, when we can give specific and certain opinions.
There are also two things I would like to include as possible reasons:
- orthostatic hypotension - it often happens when one briskly stands up from lying/sitting position to standing up. There is a sudden significant drop in blood pressure due to brisk redistribution of the blood, and is accompanied with lightheadedness, blurry vision, dark vision, and near-fainting/blackout. If this is the case, try not to stand up briskly. Stand up slowly after you have been in sitting position for at least 60 seconds.
- panic attack - due to assuming you have a medical problem, it is understandable that this is accompanied with you asking yourself "What is happening to me?" "What is wrong with me?" "Is something terrible there, that no doctor is finding?". These are all questions that raise a lot of psychological stress, which is accompanied by a spike of adrenalin levels in your system, which, in turn, can produce palpitations, lightheadedness, tremor, nausea and high pulse rate. If this is the case, I would recommend you to consult a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, regarding a 7-day course of sedatives (benzodiazepines) to relieve the stress.
To sum up, it is certain that your heart is fine and is not causing these problems. It is now the time to exclude also the possibility of an epilepsy diagnosis. And then we can pursue the route of a psychological stress as the culprit of your current symptoms.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. I am here to help, if you have follow-up questions. Please rate the answer, if you do not.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
normal echo of the heart; possible panic attacks
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to Health Care Magic. Thank you for your question. I understand your concern.
This is a report of a normal echocardiogram, which means that your heart and valves are normal by size, structure and function. The murmurs that may have been reported can sometimes be heard on a basis of a hyper dynamic state of the heart (such as tachycardia), where the blood can be "splashed" more forcefully within the heart and, thus, produce a heart murmur. These kind of murmurs are called functional murmurs, which means that they are not produced from an organic issue and, thus, are benign.
Since you have reported these kinds of symptoms, epilepsy and epileptic attacks are included in the differential diagnosis. Although personally my opinion is that there is a slight possibility that this is true, it is not impossible. However, since the tests are under way, it is only after they are carried out, when we can give specific and certain opinions.
There are also two things I would like to include as possible reasons:
- orthostatic hypotension - it often happens when one briskly stands up from lying/sitting position to standing up. There is a sudden significant drop in blood pressure due to brisk redistribution of the blood, and is accompanied with lightheadedness, blurry vision, dark vision, and near-fainting/blackout. If this is the case, try not to stand up briskly. Stand up slowly after you have been in sitting position for at least 60 seconds.
- panic attack - due to assuming you have a medical problem, it is understandable that this is accompanied with you asking yourself "What is happening to me?" "What is wrong with me?" "Is something terrible there, that no doctor is finding?". These are all questions that raise a lot of psychological stress, which is accompanied by a spike of adrenalin levels in your system, which, in turn, can produce palpitations, lightheadedness, tremor, nausea and high pulse rate. If this is the case, I would recommend you to consult a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, regarding a 7-day course of sedatives (benzodiazepines) to relieve the stress.
To sum up, it is certain that your heart is fine and is not causing these problems. It is now the time to exclude also the possibility of an epilepsy diagnosis. And then we can pursue the route of a psychological stress as the culprit of your current symptoms.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. I am here to help, if you have follow-up questions. Please rate the answer, if you do not.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Many thanks!
Brief Answer:
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I am really happy I was helpful.
Please close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you a good health.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I am really happy I was helpful.
Please close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you a good health.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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