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.

 

[tom in MO]

My cardio told me the consensus opinion on the need for an echo has changed. For me it was 1 year after surgery then every 5 years. Now it’s done only when needed, but it’s easy to get approval. I get an EKG at my yearly cardiologist visit.

 

[skeptic49]

I was doing them every couple of years but now 10 years post implant with a bioprosthesis one echo at 9 years showed an increase in gradients (30 mmhg) although subsequent echos did not bear that result out. My last echo this week showed a 13 mmhg mean gradient. So my cardio wants another echo in six months. I don't have any symptoms.

 

[Croooser]

Annual Echo prior to annual consult with Cardiologist and an EKG in his office as part of the consult.

 

[Chuck C]

Annual Echo prior to annual consult with Cardiologist and an EKG in his office as part of the consult.

In my view, if one is going to take the time each year to meet with your cardiologist, might as well get the echo done as well. I get my echo done about 30 minutes prior to my annual cardio apt and he is able to discuss the results with me immediately.