Update on bad result with cardio

[Peachy]

Hi all

After my recent checkup with Cardio was told valve is fine and operating as it should. However my echo scan then showed that the pressure gradient across the valve had increased considerably since last year. Wouldn't give any more info other than better come back in six months instead of a year. I'm really puzzled as to why the heart valve after 2 and a half years is fine but the pressure gradient is not and therefore the valve is not operating as it should. Was at my GP today on another matter and she commented on my results. She gave me more info and said that the pressure gradient has gone from 26 to 60 in around a year and a half. She agreed with me that the result seems to be contradictory in that if the heart valve is working fine, all the leaflets are opening and closing correctly and there is no evidence of regurgitation then she also is puzzled as to how the pressure gradient can have increased so much. She checked my records and this is what it was showing prior to my op. She then asked if I was still active and I told her yes "two weeks ago I was out hill walking, walked 10 miles and climbed a munro". She laughed and said "well there's nothing wrong with your heart valve". Anyway my next checkup is in March and I'm hoping that it's just a bad echo reading.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Yep, your echo reading sounds 'strange'.

Can you get your cardiologist (OR Primary Care Physician) to write an order for a repeat echo? Or have the cardio review the tape to see if the measurement was made correctly. If all else fails, you may want to request a TEE which provides better images.

Good Luck,

'AL'

 

[dcpickle]

Peachy,

I also had an echo showing a high pressure gradient and a very small aortic valve opening, as far back as 6 years ago. Dr. couldn't believe I wasn't having any symptoms. He later did a TEE and noted a large calcification mass near the valve. The valve was seen to be opening and closing near normally. A cath was done where the pressure gradient was directly measured, and was found to be much lower than the regular echo showed. The reason for the difference is that the pressure gradient and valve opening numbers on an echo are CALCULATED values. The equation makes certain assumptions, including a smooth (laminar) flow of blood through the valve. Mine was not, due to the calcification mass. That was throwing the result off, and making it look worse than it was. Perhaps you have something going on which throws off the calculation.

Many people here seem to have had anomalous echo readings. I think it just goes to show that echo numbers are not always perfectly accurate. Depends on a lot of variables.

David

 

[Peachy]

I've an appointment for another echo in March and hopefully the hospital can tell me what's happening. Meanwhile I'll try not to worry.

 

[tobagotwo]

All other things considered, it sounds like the problem is with the test, rather than the patient. Hopefully, this will be borne out in March.

I hate when doctors make me wait to find out things like this. Please try not to let it drive you crazy.

Best wishes,