What is RVSP?
RVSP is short for right ventricular systolic pressure. RVSP is a commonly searched term because it is found on almost all echocardiogram reports. It is important as the RVSP is used to estimate the pressure inside the artery that supplies the lung with blood. In most cases, the RVSP equals the pulmonary artery pressure. Elevated pressures in the pulmonary artery is known as pulmonary artery hypertension, a condition that may require close attention and treatment.
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How is RVSP Measured?
A right heart catheterization.
The gold standard way for obtaining the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the pulmonary artery pressure is an invasive test called a heart catheterization. In a heart catheterization small tubes are passed into the heart chambers and measurements taken. Echocardiography can be used to estimate the RVSP and importantly provides a non-invasive way of doing so. Echocardiography is therefore an excellent way of identifying people with elevated RVSP and pulmonary hypertension and therefore selecting those candidates that may benefit from treatment and sometimes confirmation of the diagnosis with heart catheterization.
How is RVSP Measured? – Getting a Bit More Technical
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on echocardiogram. RV is right ventrical and RA is right atrium.
RVSP basically is the pressure generated by the right side of the heart when it pumps. The right side of the heart has to pump into the lungs through a vessel called the pulmonary artery. The higher the pressure in the pulmonary artery, the higher the pressure the right heart has to generate, which basically means the higher the RVSP. When the right side of the heart pumps, most people have a little leak back through the right sided heart valve known as the tricuspid valve. The pressure generated by the right side is reflected in measurements of this leak. The leak is known as tricuspid regurgitation and the measurement that is important is the tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity. The velocity across the tricuspid valve is proportional to the RVSP. This measurement is placed into a formula and an estimate of the RVSP is obtained, which also reflects the pulmonary artery pressure. The formula also requires a measurement of the right atrial pressure, which is estimated by looking at the size of the inferior vena cava on the echocardiogram.
How to Interpret Your Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP) from the echo?
The RVSP is important because it allows estimation of the pulmonary artery pressure. Therefore on the echo report the more important measurement is the estimated pulmonary artery pressure. The number given estimates the pressure in units of mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
Pulmonary hypertension is typically assessed based on a mean value that is generally an average of its highest and lowest points. A normal mean pulmonary artery pressure is 12-16. Mild pulmonary hypertension is generally in the 25-40 range, moderate is in the 41-55 range, and severe is the >55 range. Remember though that the right ventricular systolic pressure estimate on the echocardiogram gives a peak and not a mean pressure. This means that it gives a highest value rather than an average. In general however, an estimated pulmonary artery pressure greater than 40 from the echocardiogram suggests a mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 and therefore pulmonary hypertension.
The RVSP and Pulmonary Artery Pressure Estimate from Echo Are Not Perfect
It’s very important to remember that echocardiography is not an exact science and there are many limitations to measurements obtained. Also multiple numbers such as RVSP are being put in to formulas, so any errors will be greater multiplied. For this reason, conclusions from echocardiography should be limited to classifying patients as having a certain probability of having pulmonary hypertension rather than making a certain diagnosis. Also, it’s important that the RVSP value isn’t taken in isolation when suggesting a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, rather multiple supporting echocardiographic findings should be taken together.
What Are Some Causes of Elevated Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP)?
This is split in to primary and secondary causes. Primary pulmonary hypertension is less common than secondary. In primary pulmonary hypertension an underlying cause if often not found for the high pressures in the lungs. In secondary pulmonary hypertension the high pressures are attributed to other causes. The most common cause is left sided heart failure such as that seen with valvular heart disease like mitral regurgitation or aortic stenosis or congestive heart failure. Other causes include chronic conditions such as sleep apnea, blood clots in the lungs, lungs disease, lupus, living at altitude, and others. In secondary pulmonary hypertension treatment is typically aimed at the underlying cause. For example in a patient with valve disease and pulmonary hypertension, the most important thing would be to treat the valve such as a TAVR procedure or a Mitraclip.
Questions to Ask Your Physician About Your RVSP
If your echo report says you have elevated RVSP or evidence to suggest pulmonary hypertension, the following questions may be useful to ask.
Has the study been reviewed to see if the measurements of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) or pulmonary hypertension were accurate and not just artifact or error?
If the study is suggestive of elevated RVSP and pulmonary hypertension, what is the next step and are any other confirmatory tests required?
If the study is suggestive of elevated RVSP and pulmonary hypertension what is the likely cause and what treatment options are available?
How does the RVSP value obtained on the echocardiogram compare to that found on any previous echocardiograms?
Pl also mention the signs of positive &negative response to the patient undergoing treatment of paht.
I will
I have bowel cancer, have been told that cannot operate as have right ventrical high pressure following pulmonary embolism. They are unable to give any anaesthetic.
Is there sn altermative?
M
Its not that operations can’t be done, rather its the risk involved. If you have a phenomenon known as CTEPH from chronic large clots then your right ventricle may be at risk of failure post anesthesia or on induction. I suggest you obtain an opinion from an anesthesia team well versed in high risk cardiac anesthesia.
I have traces of mitral regurgitation with no mitral valve prolapse, mild pulmonic regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurgitation and an elevated rvsp. That being said. My primary care physician said everything was normal on my echo and ekg. I’m confused. Should I be worried or have further tests. I think I may also suffer from sleep apnea although I’ve never been tested.
I suggest you have a cardiologist review you echo with regard to the rvsp estimate, with regard to the valve issues you have nothing to worry about.
Hello. Im 34 yrs old female living with pvc’s for the past 9 yrs. i’ve done all kinds of tests done like echo’s holters. Event monitors and the pvc’/ are all benign. In my previous echo’/ they always find traces of regurgitation in my mitral and triscuspid valves but the doctors always say not to worry about it. I just had an echo done last week it shows the same refurgitation but now it shows an rvsp of 25 mm hg. Other than that everything else is normal. Im super worried. What does that mean? How come that never showed in my previous echo’/ ??
Hello. Bicuspid aortic valve and heart disease runs in my family. Mom had severe aortic stenosis; sister has BAV and valve replacement. Two of my three daughters have BAV. Last year I had an echo to rule out BAV, and was found to have mild aortic insufficiency, septum primum aneurysm, dilated left atrium, mild tricuspid valve regurgitation, and right ventricle peak pressure of 33 to 38mm Hg. I have no symptoms other than occasional palpitations and “flip flop” sensations in my chest. I’m female, thin, and 53 years old. Cardiologist had no comment other than noting “Mild AI” on my echo report. Primary doctor says to keep an eye open for new symptoms. No repeat echo or testing recommended. Any thoughts or recommendations from you guys? Thanks.
No specific further testing would be advised typically on the basis of this echo.
I have a pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 31 from echo, the notes say it is suggestive of borderline mild pulmonary hypertension, this valve may be underestimated in view of the incomplete tricuspid regurgitation jet and shortened pulmonary acceleration time. Which is 90msec. The doctor say cardiologist say they will keep a watch on it, she say its nothing , Im scared, if nothing why is it soecified on there, this is a echo.Should I be worried
I wouldn’t worry too much if i were you, even if elevated its only mild, concentrate on factors such as lifestyle, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. I wouldn’t be too concerned if i were you.
Dr. Ahmed, I’ve had numerous echocardiograms and stress tests due to abnormal EKGs. I have NO symptoms during exercise, ( I got up to 15 METS on the treadmill, but they stopped it because I was showing possible ischemia) they sent me for angiogram and it came back -NO blockages…now I’m being sent to get a Cardiac MRI to rule out LVH (my father has it, he’s in his early 60’s). All of these tests have made me worried and NOT want to exercise, oh the irony! I’ve purposely stopped working out for the last 3 months (detrained) to hopefully get an accurate result from the Cardiac MRI (so it won’t come back possibly looking like Athlete’s Heart…I normally do the Insanity workouts). Is the cardiac MRI much more accurate than the echo? I’ve had a few echos in the last three months and they all show different values. I’m hoping to finally get some answers. Also, is too much cardio a bad thing for the heart? This whole experience has me worried to work out now. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Athletes heart is an interesting and complex area. I suspect people are a little concerned by your EKG. Its one of those areas where its difficult for people to give you reassurance because they are scared of telling you its ok to do what you want then being liable if something were to happen. The worse outcome of true hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is sudden death, whereas in athletes heart the course is more benign and the enlargement felt to be physiologic as opposed to pathologic. Chances are you’re totally fine but i cant of course say that without fully reviewing the case. The MRI is a good idea in my opinion here as it can accurately measure chamber and wall size and thickness and characterize the morphology of the heart. There are criteria than can help differentiate the 2 based on these measurements and provide you reassurance. As for too much cardio bad for the heart, the debate is ever ongoing, but there has been more momentum backing that contention up in recent years.
Thank you so much for replying. I didn’t think you would. It’s greatly appreciated!
I asked a question, now I dont see it , I left my email
Could I please have some advise if you would.
My mother of 77 has just left the doctors after being told she has an rsvp of 60mm hg.
She has already waited for two months for these results. They have now asked her to have further tests. She is short of breath, tired and has very swelled legs. Is there anything she or they could be doing to help the situation whilst we wait. Should I escalate these tests and pay privately.
Regards
Nw
Its a very broad question and i would need to know a lot about her medical history prior to advising whether there needs to be expedited review or not. She has echo evidence of pulmonary hypertension, but i cant at this stage comment on whether its primary or secondary. What did the rest of her echo show? What further tests have been planned? does she have a history of heart failure or lung disease?
I have a echo that stated on 10/4/15 that I had diastyolic dysfunction grade 1 with a 65 EF rate, ut said a little stiffness in heart muscle and its nothing to worry about, cut back on salt, kerp bp down and loose weight, I was 267, now 245, still feel bad, 3 days later had another echo showed a pulmonary artey systolic prrssure of 31, Dr. say a little elevated, but it suggest on it borderline mild ph, how can echoes read so different in a couple of days, my cardiologist, said the stiffness in the heart muscle could be something if I dont correct the underlying problems. Questions, three, Do you think I should worry with further testing, Is e1 high on an echo, brcause I read it was a peak value instead of mean and if its 40 on echo that means a mean value of >25 and that is ph, is this true, and is a little stiffness, they say something, I read diastyolic dysfunction is congested heart failure, nurse said no, my EF is too high is this true, do you think this is congested heart failure, Dr. wont answer, but she put it as a diagnostic on my records,, I also have mitral valve ptolapase sydrome/dystautonomic with mild regurgitation and mild tricuspud regigutation, what do you think, I know you just here to give opinion, but would be appreciated, Could you please answer all three questions to the best of your knowledge, help.
Based on the information provided
You don’t have significant evidence of pulmonary hypertension.
You may have mild diastolic dysfunction, which isn’t a huge cause for concern
I cant comment on the echo diastolic function accurately without reviewing the images.
Mild tricuspid and mitral regurgitation can essentially be considered normal findings.
Please read this link for info in diastolic HF. https://myheart.net/articles/diastolic-heart-failure/
Also remember that heart failure is mainly a clinical and not an echo diagnosis!
Dear Doctor my baby of 16 months had echo conducted and the result suggest moderate pulmonary stenosis peak transpulmonary flow velocity 3.36m/s with a peak pressure gradient >45mmHg. is there any chance of the baby growing out of the condition
Typically this will require treatment. Have you seen a pediatric cardiologist for an evaluation?
I’ve had some slight chest discomfort a few months ago, not really pain or severe tightness, rather something that very likely could also just be heartburn or stress. Saw a cardiologist anyways, he did an echo that came out normal except for an RVSP of 43. He said it’s nothing to worry about.
Now, 4 months later, decided to get a second opinion on it, because I kept questioning if the RVSP is really nothing to worry about. New doctor did an echo again with an RVSP of 35. He said that’s the high end of normal, but still normal. All RVSP assumed a default RAP of 10, not measured with the different techniques that exist.
The 2nd doctor looked at the echos of the first one and said the quality is good, so he has no reason to believe the 43 is due to a measurement error.
You have any idea what could have caused the high RVSP that is now normal?
I wouldn’t worry, these measurements are hugely approximated and nowhere near pinpoint.
Thanks! I’m aware that a RVSP from an echo is not necessarily accurate, but I was told that it’s pretty precise. A 3rd echo showed the same TR velocity as the 2nd one, resulting in a RVSP of 35.
The other thing that seems strange is that the first echo, along with a RVSP of 43, also showed diastolic disfunction grade 1 (abnormal relaxation), which were not found on the 2nd or 3rd echo.
The second cardiologist, who did echo 2 and 3, thinks the quality of the first echo is good, but can’t explain why the diastolic disfunction just disappeared and why the TR velocity is lower now. He also said that diastolic disfunction is usually not something that just goes back to normal.
Any ideas? Thanks
Right atrium: The atrium was mildly dilated.
– Tricuspid valve: Trivial to mild regurgitation.
– Pulmonary arteries: Systolic pressure was mildly
increased, estimated to be 38mm Hg.
(This was just copy and pasted directly off my report.) Everything else was labeled as normal…my Primary care doc said I am good to go nothing to worry about. I’m confused though. Obviously I’d rather have everything say normal…so what I’m wondering is why are these things not normal (what contributes) and what can I do to make them show normal ranges?
Thank you for any help or expertise offered!
I wouldn’t worry too much about the values per se, the abnormality is not large if there is one, and i would recommend concentrating on traditional cardiac risk factors.
I have an rsvp of 42, moderate triscuspid regurgitation of 2-3 and an enlarged atrium. Ejection fraction 50. Everything else was normal on echo. Cardiologist says not to worry and to come back in a couple years. He thinks it’s unlikely that I have PH. I was having severe anxiety over this so he says well why don’t we just do a right heart cath to ease your mind so you can sleep. Is that the right thing to do based on my numbers? Or should I just not worry about it and re check the echo in a few years?
Hi,
I had a Right Heart Cath done recently for suspected Pulmonary Hypertension after several Pulmonary Function tests showed an isolated DLCO of about 55- 51% over a year and increasing shortness of breath especially on exercise. HDCT Lung scan was normal as was Echocardiogram, except they could not measure the Pulmonary pressures. So a resting Right heart Cath was done which they said was normal with no Pulmonary Hypertension. However the RSVP was elevated at 32/9, but the mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure was 18, so no Pulmonary Hypertension. Was told the elevated RSVP was nothing, but I have a mildly enlarged heart and have had Hypertension and a LBBB for some years. Also a h/o of some intermittent Chest pains which hasn’t been diagnosed and also an irregular heart rate at times especially on exercise which was thought for a while to be Atrial Fibrillation on Holter Monitor and treated accordingly with Beta Blockers and Anticoagulants, but then they suddenly changed the diagnosis to Supraventricular Tachycardia, so treatment for AF was stopped. Said it was difficult to interpret the Holter due to the LBBB and the very rapid rate of the tachycardia. Since then I get intermittent irregular beats of what sort I don’t know.
My Question is first concerning the RVSP being elevated and if this is, as I was told, “nothing” or if its a sign of early Heart Failure with my other symptoms which also include not only shortness of Breath on exertion but lately sometimes at rest as well. Don’t know why and my Drs are saying they don’t know why either and think because I am a little overweight but certainly not even close to the obese category, and that this might be causing the shortness of breath. I asked if they needed to follow up down the track with the Moderately reduced DLCO and was told “No you just need to live with it. Lose 5kilos in weight and exercise!” and then they said the DLCO was only mildly reduced after taking a very keen interest in it initially. I am confused to be honest especially with ongoing shortness of breath when I exercise, eg walking up hills plus great weakness walking up and even down stairs. Should I get another opinion?
My 89 year old mother is presently hospitalized with R heart failure and pulm HTN. Her right ventricular systolic pressure is 106 on echo. I am unable to find prognosis for that level but am concerned that her prognosis is very poor. She is returning to her own home where she lives alone tomorrow or Wednesday. Do you know what her life expectancy is with that reading? One year ago rvsp was 66. Thank you!
Hi Corine, she has severe pulmonary hypertension and her pressure is very high. At the age of 89 many factors determine the aggressiveness of any intervention. What was the suggestion of the involved cardiologist? The prognosis will depend upon the treatment options available and the underlying cause of the pulmonary hypertension.
My son is 13 years old and had an echocardiogram done due to physical exam revealing heart murmur in all chambers. Echocardiogram results showed normal ej fx of 60-65%, mild pulmonary htn, tricuspid regurgatation with right ventricle measuring 36.39 by Doppler everything else on Doppler was normal . EKG, chest X-ray and stress test normal. He has hx of asthma. The cardiologist wants to follow up in 1 year but did not seem concerned. Is that something I should be worried about and is 1 year correct treatment plan. Thanks
In an adult that plan is appropriate, in a child I’m not familiar with guidelines, we will have a pediatric cardiologist joining the my heart.net team soon and ill pass the question on to him.
Hi there. Can you tell me normal Rvsp ranges for a 36 year old? I was told anything above 35 was abnormal by one doctor and anything above 40 by another. My RVSP is 36 so I’m
confused as to what category I fall in. Thank you!
Hi I just had a echo and it says 32 Mmgh in comments. I’m very concerned. Is this normal
Can you provide more information on the echo?
Hi everything else is normal. Normal lvh. Normal diastolic function. Normal flow and velocity . EF 60
Dr didn’t suggest anything except repeat echo in a year
Thats good!
Is that number still on normal side ?
Hi everything else is normal
I am a moderately healthy 69 yr old female with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation and mild pulmonary hypertension. My RVSP has increased from 30 to 40mmHg on a echocardiogram in the past 6 months. I have read your articles pertaining to RVSP and would like to know if you think “stress” can contribute to an increased RVSP. Thank you for responding.
I am 52 years old and had a lung lymph node biopsy on 1/20/2017 for suspected lung sarcoidosis – results were inconclusive and are being reviewed. On 1/25 I had an echo as a precaution which showed an RSVP rate of 60. My doctor told me is in the upper-mild range, approaching severe, but everything I read says it well into the severe range which really concerns me. He has ordered lung imaging with and without contrast and will be referring me to a heart specialist for a right cath which will certainly be a few more weeks away. I’m concerned we’re moving too slow as this may have been going for some time now – my only symptom has been a cough for 2 years that has not worsened, my dr attributes to the sarc. 1) Is there any chance the echo could be way off and it’s not that high? 2) If it’s accurate, how urgent is it? 3) Are we on the right path and timetable? Thank you.
Difficult to tell you too much without knowing the entire situation and details of your case. I can speculate. In the setting of lung disease, the echo PA pressure of 60 isn’t an emergency and is often seen. Its due to elevated PA pressure driven by lung disease typically. Its likely been relatively chronic as opposed to acute. The echo is an estimate and usually i would say +/- 10-20 however the right heart cath should confirm. Your symptoms are chronic without acute worsening and i don’t think you should worry about rushing things.
Thank you so much so much, Dr. Ahmed. Is the prognosis for chromic better or worse than acute? If my echo measured 60mmHg and actual can be +/-10-20 possibly resulting in a rate of 70 or 80, wouldn’t that (isn’t that) dangerous? Also, I understand PH is a progressive disease that I’ve probably had it for some time already – hasn’t the delay in diagnosis and now delayed treatment damaging me further? Thanks again!
Its difficult to say, i wouldn’t worry too much, see what the right heart cath shows. If severe, often there can be a good degree of reversibility with the correct treatment.
Hi…
I have been bounced around and left confused. Last feb 2016 I had an echo that showed mild pulmonary stenosis and to my knowledge everything else in normal range and LV ejection fraction of 70%. This November I went to see a pulmonologist because of increased shortness of breath, tachycardia and low sat with little exertion. I had an echo LV ejection 58%, PA pressure 30 mmhg. Just last month, a RHC shows RV at rest 30 with exertion 52. On comments it is listed normal filling pressures at rest, significant drop in cardiac output with exertion. PA sat 61%. I am confused, no treatment and not sure what to do.
46 yo with recent weight gain of 40 lbs to 221 lbs after PCOS two oopherectomies 3 years apart, i used to have MVP when i was younger (confirmed echo 10+years ago) but now my recent echo shows no MVP but do have physiologic MV regurg, normal EF, but RVSP is 28 “estimated” peak of 23, with mild pulmonic regurg, LV wall thickness mildly increased, trivial aortic regurg, mild tricuspid regurg. i’ve had a feeling of productive cough caught at the center of chest like mucus but cant get it up ever for two years and none to zero energy, especially when bending over or reaching. they seem not to be concerned but i have ehler’s danlos child (confirmed classical type) with all sorts of skin, stomach bowel laxity, joint problems, very hyperobile and i had hypermobility big time as child, can still bend with hands flat on floor with knees locked and do three types of splits at my 221 lb size, my sister had a hole in her foramen ovali at 6 weeks of age in 1965 and got fixed at Baylor in Waco TX, my mother and father were told not to have another child due to congenital heart with my 5 years older than i sister but i came along by accident with little problems until i was 20’s had chest pain for first time with PVC’s and MVP but was told this was not to be alarmed, my dad was the oldest of 9 children and had heart attack at the back of his heart at 57 and paternal history of marfan syndrome in first cousin and many tall lanky features with dental crowding and thyroid is overly common in all of the family of my 50+ cousins, i have hypothyroid which is hard to control it is usually elevated or low and adjusting synthroid is what we do to treat. healthcare seems so not personal these days, i had a nursing tech (held no degree-i asked) call to say echo was normal. it wasn’t “normal” per echo so just wanted your advise, i also have right sided temp lower on one side of body than on left side 99% of the time it is super annoying feels like it is frost bitten all the time with activity or being in bed never goes completely away but o2 sats are 97-98, when i lay on my left side my heart thumps like a fish flopping and i get sob with laying on left side or with any mild activity like just brushing teeth or buckle seat belt. i’d love to lose the weight but if i go to the mail box and back i am winded like i have run a marathon and so tired even after sleeping a full night (i don’t run), when i was younger and 110lbs if i would stand with my legs straight it would cause me to faint always thought that was so odd but just learned not to lock legs, never could run in track as a teen due to sob upon any moderate activity, the shortness of breath now has been since last 3 years is just awful like a fish out of a bowl i see you reply to some comments but not all please reply back. oh CT chest with and without contrast showed no clots and no mass, CXR always seem to show some atelectasis but no fever, i do feel cold and clamy most the time until a hot flash occurs but those are about 6 a day thank god they don’t last too long, i do have night sweats and sweat with any prolonged talking or mild activity
i forgot to mention flying i want to take a trip to overseas for over a week i am worried about the flying that far 14hr in a plane and (of course the shortness of breath with walking tours)
I understand my cousine RSVP reading is 85. What does it means. Is it risk? He is 37 years old
It means he may have severe pulmonary hypertension, the underlying cause needs to be investigated.
Thanks for your reply.
I understand that he went for open heart surgery and replaced two valves in the year 1996 at SVIMS in Tirupathi. Kindly suggest how to proceed.
Does he needs to undergone surgery once again. He is very poor as well and cannot afford much money.
Kindly suggest the best way to come our of this problem.
I suggest an opinion from a valvular heart and pulmonary hypertension / heart failure specialist, i wouldn’t be able to comment specifically without seeing him or the full testing regimen.
Thanks for the post.
Hello Dr Ahmed,
I am a 56 year old female that was diagnosed via echo in January with pulmonary hypertension. I was started on generic Revatio. My pressure was 73. I was born with an ASD/VSD. These have been repaired.I also had a cleft mitral valve that was repaired and then replaced with a mechanical valve. I went on to develop chronic atrial fibrillation and diastolic heart failure. I have shortness of breath with activity, especially walking up stairs or doing heavy lifting. I have been on a leave from work since January. I am due to return shortly. I guess my question is how serious is this diagnosis for me and is it realist for me to be thinking about returning to work. I have a job that requires a lot of walking and lifting at least 50 pounds. I thank you for your time.
What were the results of your last right heart catheterization and what were the responses to the revatio?
I have heart papitations for approximately 5 yrs. I went on a cruise and was speared by a fish in Cozumel that lead to stroke, encephalitison the brain, not able to walk for couple of months ,etc. Anyway, make story shorter didn’t have papitations or feel exerted . I have been telling family doctor, heart Doctor, thyroid Dr that I gasp for air nightly ( it feels like a person who is having a really bad dream and there about to hit bottom and suddenly it quickly wakes them up and your body quickly sits up) I do this almost every night!!and papitations are usually stronger at night. Iwas even sent to have a sleep study and it came back normal. Well the nurse practitioner after 4 years finally decides to do a ultra sound on my heart. This is what it says: Normal left ventricular cavity size with normal systolic function. EF 60%. No obvious wall motion abnormalities. Right ventricle normal in size and function.Left atrial volume normal, less than 34ml/m2.Right atrium normal in size. Aortic valve appears structurally normal with no evidence of aortic regurgitation. Mitral valve appears structurally normal with Mild Mitral Regurgitation. Tricuspid valve appears structurally normal with Mild Tricuspid Regurgitations. est RSVP =25mmHg. I didn’t have on my glasses and she says everything looks good and scheduled to see me in a year . I left with results and was happy . I found glasses and read and the bottom part about 2 valves having a leak nothing said to me by nurse practitioner. Ant there a more extensive check to really see how much leakage is taking place and see if I need to replace the leaky valves? Why should I wait till more damage is done to heart to check the leakage . Also the word est ( estimate ) doesn’t tell if it may be more.
Hi Doctor — back in 2005 I had a stress test, which was completely normal and showed pulmonary artery pressure of 41; subsequent echocardiograms which I had showed pressures of 36 and 41. I visited a pulmonologist at the time, and had bloodwork done, a sleep study, CT scan, and a ventilation/perfusion scan; the only things which showed up were mild bronchiectasis in my right lung and some scoliosis. I currently have no symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fluid build-up, etc, and I walk vigorously three miles a day.
I also recently had an ekg in 2013 and one just a few weeks ago as part of a colonoscopy, and nothing abnormal was found. I’m a bit concerned reading more about pulmonary hypertension and its prognosis — do you feel that there is anything for me to be concerned about, as it has been twelve years since my first reading of 41 and I have absolutely no symptoms and normal ekg’s? By the way, I am going for another echo in a few days.
Its good to keep an eye on it but i wouldn’t be overly concerned.
Dr. Ahmed, I cannot thank you enough for your response!! Unfortunately, googling these conditions can lead to a lot of health anxiety — your response made me feel much better (and hopefully my echo results tomorrow will be normal!)
Is it possible for pulmonary artery pressure to be just mildly elevated as shown on an echo, perhaps as a result of scoliosis, without having actual pulmonary hypertension?
Also, I’m probably reading too much in to this, but I presume that if I had damage to the right side of my heart due to high pulmonary pressure over the last twelve years, hypertrophy or some type of disfunction would have shown on the ekg which I just had a few weeks ago?
Thank you so very much again for your input — it means so much!
I think you are overthinking it, particularly if the structure of the heart is normal on the echocardiogram.
Thank you again so very much for your reassurances doctor! I completely agree that I’m overthinking it – unfortunately, I’m having a major flare-up of health anxiety from what I think are hormonal changes from being in Peri-menopause. I cannot thank you enough for not only your informative article, but also for your kindness and compassion in responding to my concerns! Thank you again.
Are there measures a person can take to control RVSP? I have an aneurysm in my pulmonary artery. My cardiologist says the most important thing in controlling progression is controlling RVSP.
In general it is lifestyle measures, such as exercise, diet, weight loss, blood pressure control and control of cardiac risk factors etc. in the vast majority of cases pulmonary artery aneurysms will not require interventions. They should be surveyed over time to ensure stability.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at MustafaAhmedMD
Thank you so much for the reassurance and the information, very helpful. I guess I never understood that this was something I could help to control. I always assumed I had no control. In the last year it has ranged from 40-51. Most of these things I am already doing with the exception of exercise as I have been advised not to exercise by my cardiologist due to aortic stenosis. My cardiologist, who is usually very candid and is thorough in explaining conditions has been evasive of my questions surrounding this, which has only caused me to worry more. I appreciate the additional information. I will definitely sleep easier .
Hello Doctor,
My Name is Asif , I was having heart palpitation and constant lightheadedness ,Palpitation usually start after meal. Finally went to cardiologist and told about scenario at that time he dignosed me with rapid heart rate and did the echo. Here is my echo report
Normal LV function with good systolic function.
Normal LA dimension
Normal Mitral valve structure and function
Normal Aortic valve structure and function
Normal Right side structure and function
Tricuspid valve regurge with PG=18 mmHG implying RVSP of. 27mmHG
Normal pulmonary valve structure and function
No wall motion abnormilities
Normal pericardium
No intracardiac mass seen
Intact interatrial and interventricular sapta
EF 75%
FS 41%
LVEDD 4.6
LVESD 2.4
IVSD 0.8
LVPWD 0.8
RVIDd 1.9
AO 3.2
LA 3.1
LA/AO 0.9
Conclusion
Normal echocardiographic study
So my question is that am i feeling lightheaded and palpitation after meal is due to Tricuspid regurge or something else. Doctor said u have very good and healthy heart. But u have anxiety disorder.
Can anxiety cause lightheadnedness and palpitataion. Please answer.
The echo report appears normal although it doesnt mention the degree of tricuspid regurgitation.
I Asked doctor , he says its trivial tricuspid regurgitation. Can it cause lightheadedness?
Hi, I am 28 yrs old and in pretty good health. I have run two half marathons and work out 3-4 times a week. About a year ago I started feeling thumps in my chest when I was sitting down and also felt like I could not catch my breath. I wore a holster monitor and it said I have PAC’s and sinus tachycardia. I also had an echo that showed, mild mitral regurgitation, mild tricuspid regurgitation and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 32.36mmHG. He prescrivbed me ivabradine. I had a second opinion before I started the medication and the new cardiologist said not to take that. The new physician gave me an echo that showed different results than the first; it showed trace mitral regurgitation, trace pulmonic regurgitation, trace tricuspid regurgitation (how can the echos be so different?). He also did a stress test that showed I had abnormal pulmonary response. It said I had mild ventilation perfusion mismatch, impaired pulmonary circulation, increased dead space and chronotropic incompetence. HR response is blunted and to consider autonomic dysfunction and hypothyroidism. My thyroid has been checked and it is normal. My doctor informed me these are minimal findings, but never explained what this all means. I am still feeling tight in the check and it is hard to get a deep breath sometimes. Should I seek another opinion? He did not explain what autonomic dysfunction is, but suspected I was born with it? I would just like to know if this is all seems okay or if I should seek another opinion.
Firstly, the valve disease is mild in one study and trivial in the other, these are basically the same and nothing to be concerned about in general. Before seeking a second opinion i suggest you schedule an appointment with the testing physician and ask to discuss the test findings and the implications in detail.
Hello Doctor,
My Name is Asif I am 26 y/o , I was having heart palpitation and constant lightheadedness ,Palpitation usually start after meal. Finally went to cardiologist and told about scenario at that time he dignosed me with rapid heart rate and did the echo. Here is my echo report
Normal LV function with good systolic function.
Normal LA dimension
Normal Mitral valve structure and function
Normal Aortic valve structure and function
Normal Right side structure and function
Tricuspid valve regurge with PG=18 mmHG implying RVSP of. 27mmHG
Normal pulmonary valve structure and function
No wall motion abnormilities
Normal pericardium
No intracardiac mass seen
Intact interatrial and interventricular sapta
EF 75%
FS 41%
LVEDD 4.6
LVESD 2.4
IVSD 0.8
LVPWD 0.8
RVIDd 1.9
AO 3.2
LA 3.1
LA/AO 0.9
Conclusion
Normal echocardiographic study
So my question is that am i feeling lightheaded and palpitation after meal is due to Tricuspid regurge or something else. Doctor said u have very good and healthy heart. But u have anxiety disorder.
Can anxiety cause lightheadnedness and palpitataion. Please answer.
I am a 52 year old female, normal weight. I went to a cardiologist due to having near fainting episodes over the past two years (come on suddenly, last 10-15 seconds, then get heart palpitations. Not when going from sitting to standing). Dr. ordered echo, which showed RVSP 50-55, left atrium mildly dilated, mild tricuspid regurgitation, otherwise normal. Then had CT of pulmonary artery which was normal. Then a stress echo, which showed RVSP 45-50. Also wore an event monitor which picked up arrhythmia. Saw EP who prescribed Midodrine (said blood is pooling in my legs), but near fainting episodes have continued even with taking the med. Episodes occur 1-2 times a week. Cardiologist says he will repeat echo in 3-6 months. I’m concerned about waiting as I’ve been fatigued and also over last couple years have had a strange dry/achy sensation in my breathing passages. I am otherwise very healthy. I greatly appreciate any insight you can provide.
Your situation sounds complex and requires more attention that can be provided through brief comments. What we know is that you have fainting episodes, pulmonary hypertension and progression of symptoms including breathing issues. I would suggest a step you take is to see a heart failure specialist and have evaluation and work up of the pulmonary hypertension.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have a eco that shows ventricular systolic pressure is 75mmHg , mild tricuspid regurgitation , no valvular aortic stenosis all else, valves etc are normal
I have been taking sprycel, I just quit taking it i, is it fairly safe to waite a vew months to see is the pressures come down before testing further.
I would like to keep takeing it is there a treatment to correct this if it is a side effect of sprycel and i keep takeing it?
You need to see a heart failure specialist who can assess the situation in its entirity prior to answering that.
My 59 year old husband had an echo that showed:
Right atrium mildly dilated
Mild elevated right atrial pressure
Myxomatous with mild anterior leaflet prolapse and mild mitral regurgitation
Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation with right ventricular systolic pressure of 23mmHg and mildly elevated right atrial pressure
Right and Left ventricles were normal in size, thickness, and systolic function
Trileaflet aortic valve
IVSd: 1.10 cm (range 0.6 a 1.0 cm) Male
LV ESV: 58.10 (range 22-58 ml)
Visually estimated ejection fraction between 55 a 60%
The echo was recommended for possible pulmonary hypertension. My husband’s PFT tests continue to state “Mild Airway Obstruction”. He has developed raynaud’s over past few years; and, his primary recommended that he see rheumatology. The rheumatology testing all came back negative, other than a slightly elevated CK ( which she stated was not a concern). She then suggested the echo and PFT to explore the possibility of pulmonary HTN. My husband’s health history is pretty benign…active guy, always been a non-smoker. Recent years, however, revealed sinus and allergy concerns, with some reactive airway disease, he is now undergoing allergy shots.
Based on results of echo above, the rheumatologist stated that the they were “suggestive of pulmonary hypertension” and should be evaluated for further work up by cardiology. We cannot get in to see the cardiologist for a few months. We would greatly appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you
We would greatly appreciate your thoughts? What is a normal right atrial pressure;
I do not see any signs of pulmonary hypertension on the echocardiogram. The right ventricular systolic pressure of 23 is basically normal. Both airway obstruction and Raynauds can be associated with development of pulmonary hypertension. I don’t see it in this case, maybe ask the Dr again why they are concerned. Normal RA pressure is 10. The RA pressure is used in combination with the RVSP to determine the PA pressure and so is part of the calculation. Regardless in this case, with RVSP of 23, even if RA pressure was 15, there is not clear evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Reassuringly the right ventricular size and function is normal.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi, Dr.,
If I may ask – I’m 27, and have severe health anxiety. I had an echo for heart palpitations (that turned out to be panic attacks), and it showed an ejection fraction of 58%, as well as trivial mitral/tricuspid regurgitation. My doctor said it was normal, but I was alarmed when I saw the report and the RVSP of 36mmhg. I’ve r
I’m sorry – I wasn’t finished writing this when it posted. I was trying to say that I’ve read varying opinions online as to if the 36 RVSP is normal or not. I looked back at an old echo from when I was 17 (10 years ago) and my pressure then was similar at 37. Do you think I’m really okay? I’m very scared of PAH, but wouldn’t it have gotten worse in 10 years, if I had it, not stayed the same? Thank you for your time –
The stable nature of your readings is very reassuring. Particularly if the rest of the echo is ok.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
Is an RSVP of 36 on an echo normal? Dr’s office said echo was fine (just trivial mitral and tricuspid regurgitation), but I’m scared of the number. I also had an echo previously several years ago that had RSVP of 37. I’m in my late 20s and a little overweight. I would really appreciate it if you could answer – I’m really worried…
Hello, I am female, 19 years & 11 months old, not married
I found out in that I have moderate pulmonary hypertension (RVSP 42.57 mmHg) in the echo result, plus trivial leaking valves: (tricusped, mitral and pulmonary valve regurgitation). This test was a year ago, and I will repeat it after two months, is that good step?
I also had a period of time in the last year when I had tachycardia and high pressure pressure, doctor ordered medication for two months and then discontinue. Now my pressure is okay but it increases from time to time. I also suffer from sleep apnea.. but not always. now I’m having bradycardia or slow heart rate without any treatment. I wasn’t like that before, I didn’t have heart rate less than 60 at rest.. and alteration between bradycardia and tachycardia.. could it be related to the echo? Is it possible that my condition got worse? I have symptoms now.. I get tired when standing for a while, bounding heart, and chest heaviness. When I wake up I feel weird feeling in my chest.. Also in hot weather I get tired.
Ps. I don’t know if it will help, but I have problems in my menstruation.
Please tell me what should I do next? What is my condition doctor?
Help please,I can’t find anyone who cares..
Thank you very much
The trivial valve leaks are not concerning and can be considered normal. They are not likely related to the other symptoms. A monitor may be of use to characterize the heart rhythm and rate. The symptoms are varied in nature and so its difficult to comment further on here, but i would certainly recommend a full evaluation if you are concerned.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
Thank you very much Dr, what about the pulmonary hypertension?
Follow is DONE! 🙂
I am 56 years old and I have had mitral valve prolapse with moderate regurgitation for several years. I have been having shortness of breath with laying down and going upstairs for the past week. Unable to get any sleep due to this. I have small-moderate size bilateral pleural effusions on X-ray. My echo now shows estimated PA systolic pressure of 80mmHg. My cardiologist appt is not for another 2 days. Would you consider this to be emergent or can it wait until my cardiologist appt?
In general it could wait till you see the specialist unless your symptoms are felt to be unstable in which case you should go to the ER. That PA pressure is high and will need evaluation and treatment.
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Hi dr
I am 57 year old female with very severe emphysema I recently had echocardiogram saying moderate tricuspid regurgitation and elevated rvsp of 41 may be underestimated due to incomplete tr signal
It is expected with emphysema you would have an elevation in the right sided heart pressures and the PA pressure (rvsp), important is the treatment of the underlying emphysema in this case. The tricuspid regurgitation on the echo is used to estimate the pressure in the lung arteries and sometimes it is difficult to do. In this case discuss with your dr whether there is indication to investigate further or as i suspect just continue to treat the emphysema.
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Hi. I am an active 53 year old female. Due to shortness of breath issues, I had an echo that showed pulmonary pressure of 48 with mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Also, mild right atrial enlargement. He says doesn’t think pulmonary hypertension and we can wait another year for a repeat echo. Does this seem too long?
Hi, Dr. Ahmedl,
Thanks for this wonderful site. I’m a 67-year old woman and had an echo subsequent to a stroke on 4th of July. The echo showed right chambers mildly dilated with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension; tricuspid valve showed pulmonary artery systolic pressure estimated at 59 mmHg with Doppler findings suggesting moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension.
I received a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and I am very concerned. (My mother was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension and passed away within 5 years.)
A few days after the stroke I was diagnosed with A-Fib and started medication, then had a successful cardioverson and my heart rhythm is back to normal. ]
I have recovered from the stroke and am now hiking over a mile a day (including hills) and swimming half a mile several times a week and have do symptoms at all — no shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.)
I am confused about what my diagnosis means and how serious (or not) this situation is.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
It appears the most likely cause of the stroke is the atrial fibrillation and you are being treated appropriately.
The right sided chamber dilation, pulmonary hypertension and the history are concerning, although your functional status is reassuring. You should be under the care of a heart failure specialist with an interest in pulmonary hypertension to evaluate for reversible causes and treat this and follow it appropriately.
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD