Echocardiogram

[Standardvelocity]

What is the norm for monitoring after a valve replacement? Do annual echocardiograms continue or just cardiologist visits with EKG.

 

[dick0236]

What is the norm for monitoring after a valve replacement? Do annual echocardiograms continue or just cardiologist visits with EKG.

I had echos annually, or bi-annually, for many years as part of my valve checkup (after the echo was introduced). For the past couple years, we no longer do the echo. I always thought it was a worthwhile test.

 

[Chuck C]

I have an annual appointment with my cardiologist, which involves getting an echo just before our consult. He did indicate that I could make the appointments less often if I wanted, due to the fact that I have a mechanical valve, but I prefer to go annually.

 

[pellicle]

I had mine yearly, then as nothing was changing every 2, now about every 3. But eventually they may change if they see something.

 

[Gail in Ca]

I see my cardiologist every 6 mos, and get an echo every year. During my appointment, he brings out a tiny echo that connects to his phone, and I get a fast echo that shows up on his phone screen. He uses this to see if there are changes in between the official echo!

 

[Standardvelocity]

Thanks for your replies, I had one last year after my operation and before seeing my cardiologist. Got an appointment letter no mention of an echo only an EkG just before appointment, oh well I guess I’m not his first patient they see us every day.

 

[dornole]

I always have to call and say “hey what about the echo” then they check with the cardiologist and he orders one sure enough. I think it’s worth asking. For what it’s worth, never in 22 years of annual valve appts did I have a pre-visit EKG, only an echo. I only started getting EKGs after I developed afib.

 

[Lisa from LJ]

I've had a few different cardiologists over the years. Some do annual echos. Some do every three years. I prefer annual just in case.