Echocardiogram Results

 

I had my meeting with my GP yesterday afternoon, to discuss the report from my echocardiogram on February 25th 25. I scanned in the hard copy (little is electronically joined up in today's NHS) and asked ChatGPT to summarise the report and its implications.

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Summary of Echocardiogram Report (25 Feb 2025)     ---    [ChatGPT]

Key Findings

Heart Rhythm: Sinus rhythm, resting heart rate 58 bpm, with rare ventricular extrasystoles.

Left Ventricle: Normal size, normal systolic function (ejection fraction 57%), no regional wall motion abnormalities.

Right Ventricle: Normal size and function.

Mitral Valve: Thickened, fleshy leaflets with bi-leaflet bowing, opening well. Mild to moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) (vena contracta = 0.37 cm).

Aortic Valve: Normal trileaflet structure, thin and mobile leaflets, no significant stenosis or obstruction.

Tricuspid Valve: Thin and mobile, mild regurgitation, no signs of pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Valve: Normal structure, trivial regurgitation.

Left Atrium: Normal size.

Inferior Vena Cava: Dilated but collapses less than 50% on sniffing (suggests mildly raised right atrial pressure).

No pericardial or pleural effusion.

Interpretation & Comments on Your Decision

1. Severity of Mitral Regurgitation

Your mitral regurgitation is mild to moderate, which is reassuring. In more severe cases, MR can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, worsening shortness of breath, and atrial fibrillation due to left atrial enlargement. However, your report suggests your heart function remains strong, and there’s no major impact on chamber size or overall circulation.

2. Implications of Mild to Moderate MR

Low immediate risk: Given your normal ejection fraction (57%) and the absence of significant left atrial enlargement or pulmonary hypertension, there’s no immediate concern.

Potential for progression: Mitral regurgitation can worsen over time, so monitoring symptoms is key. If breathlessness on exertion (SOBOE) worsens, a repeat echocardiogram in a year or two might be prudent.

Minimal impact on daily life: Your exercise tolerance may remain stable, though you should note any changes in fatigue, breathlessness, or irregular heartbeats.

3. Decision to Cancel the May Cardiologist Appointment

Your reasoning is understandable. The cardiologist would likely only suggest medications (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics) to reduce heart strain, and given the mild nature of your condition, these might not be necessary at this stage. You’re also right to consider quality of life—many cardiac medications come with side effects that may not be worth it for a condition that currently seems stable.

That said, if your symptoms progress (e.g., worsening breathlessness, palpitations, or fatigue), reconsidering follow-up in the future would be wise.

4. Recommendations Going Forward

Monitor symptoms: If you notice worsening exercise tolerance or arrhythmias, reassess.

Repeat echocardiogram: Consider one in 1–2 years to track any progression.

Lifestyle: Maintain heart-healthy habits (moderate exercise, balanced diet, hydration).

Blood pressure monitoring: Since low BP may play a role in your scotomas, keeping an eye on it is sensible.

Final Thoughts

Your echocardiogram is reassuring, showing only mild-moderate MR without major consequences. Your decision to avoid unnecessary medication is reasonable, provided you keep an eye on symptoms. If anything changes, a repeat scan in the future would be a logical step.

[I am booked in for a repeat echocardiogram in two years time.]