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What Does This Echocardiogram Regarding Heart Palpitations Indicate?
Question: Hi, I am a 48 year old male, 5'8" 165 lbs. I work out about 3 times per week. I have had recent EKG and Nuclear Stress tests with normal results. I do experience palpitations periodically, but previous holter exams have shown only benign PVC's and APC's. A recent 2D/M Echocardiogram however revealed the following results:
Dilated left Atrium at 3.9cm, E Wave of 0.5, A Wave 0.6. Ejection fraction 74%
Conclusions as follows:
1. Dilated left atrium
2. Preserved left ventricular function, ejection fraction of 74%
3. Essentially normal valves
4. Doppler color flow reveals trace MR, no AI, mild TR, mild PI
5. Doppler velocities as noted above with E;A reversibility consistent with grade 1 diastolic dysfunction and estimated RVSP of 35mmHg
6. Compared to previous echocardiogram done 3/28/2011, criterion for grade 1 diastolic dysfunction is now noted. estimated RVSP is now increased to 35mmHg.
Should I be concerned about these results? Does the dilated atrium combined with the reversed E:A ration mean that it's actually grade 2 diastolic dysfunction?
Also, I was very stressed on the day of the echo and I was diagnosed with Bronchitis within days of having the Echo. Could either of these things have caused these negative changes since the last Echo in 2011?
Thank You in Advance,
XXXXXXX in XXXXX
Dilated left Atrium at 3.9cm, E Wave of 0.5, A Wave 0.6. Ejection fraction 74%
Conclusions as follows:
1. Dilated left atrium
2. Preserved left ventricular function, ejection fraction of 74%
3. Essentially normal valves
4. Doppler color flow reveals trace MR, no AI, mild TR, mild PI
5. Doppler velocities as noted above with E;A reversibility consistent with grade 1 diastolic dysfunction and estimated RVSP of 35mmHg
6. Compared to previous echocardiogram done 3/28/2011, criterion for grade 1 diastolic dysfunction is now noted. estimated RVSP is now increased to 35mmHg.
Should I be concerned about these results? Does the dilated atrium combined with the reversed E:A ration mean that it's actually grade 2 diastolic dysfunction?
Also, I was very stressed on the day of the echo and I was diagnosed with Bronchitis within days of having the Echo. Could either of these things have caused these negative changes since the last Echo in 2011?
Thank You in Advance,
XXXXXXX in XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Nothing serious and nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I went carefully through your history and I would like to mention;
1. Left atrium of 3.9 cm is not considered to be enlarged especially in male patients. I usually take also volumes which give more precise information
2. if there is some abnormality in E peak and A peak data, one should do tissue Doppler to confirm diastolic dysfunction . E peak of 0, 5 and a peak of 0, 6 is not suggestive for diastolic dysfunction yet, there are only slight changes
If you were my patient I would prescribe you beta blocker only in case you are very symptomatic with your extrasystolies. I would plan your next echo in 6 months or in a year
Actually I would advise you not to worry, you have very good results in nuclear test, ECG, and your echo is not bad, just continuing follow healthy lifestyle.
Hope I could help you
Please, let me know if you have further questions
Regards,
Nothing serious and nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I went carefully through your history and I would like to mention;
1. Left atrium of 3.9 cm is not considered to be enlarged especially in male patients. I usually take also volumes which give more precise information
2. if there is some abnormality in E peak and A peak data, one should do tissue Doppler to confirm diastolic dysfunction . E peak of 0, 5 and a peak of 0, 6 is not suggestive for diastolic dysfunction yet, there are only slight changes
If you were my patient I would prescribe you beta blocker only in case you are very symptomatic with your extrasystolies. I would plan your next echo in 6 months or in a year
Actually I would advise you not to worry, you have very good results in nuclear test, ECG, and your echo is not bad, just continuing follow healthy lifestyle.
Hope I could help you
Please, let me know if you have further questions
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Hi Dr. Baghdasaryan,
Thank you very much for your reply! Forgot to mention that I also have moderate sleep apnea that I use a dental appliance to help with. Could sleep apnea have contributed to the latest Echo results? Also, does your answer signify that in your opinion, the Echo results do NOT indicate grade 1 diastolic dysfunction or early stage heart failure? Thank you
Thank you very much for your reply! Forgot to mention that I also have moderate sleep apnea that I use a dental appliance to help with. Could sleep apnea have contributed to the latest Echo results? Also, does your answer signify that in your opinion, the Echo results do NOT indicate grade 1 diastolic dysfunction or early stage heart failure? Thank you
Brief Answer:
There is no diastolic dysfunction and heart failure
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Your echo results do Not indicate any significant abnormality.
About sleep apnoe, it slightly increases cardiovascular risks, but if you continue to follow healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups everything will be OK.
Wish you good XXXXXXX
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
There is no diastolic dysfunction and heart failure
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Your echo results do Not indicate any significant abnormality.
About sleep apnoe, it slightly increases cardiovascular risks, but if you continue to follow healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups everything will be OK.
Wish you good XXXXXXX
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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