MyHeart

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Authors
  • Resources
    • MitraClip University
      • Advanced Steering
    • POTS Center
    • Heart Healthy Nutrition
    • MyHeart Videos
  • Articles
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising
Home / Tests & Investigations / What Does An Echocardiogram Show?
What Does An Echocardiogram Show Heart Function

What Does An Echocardiogram Show?

June 12, 2017 by Dr. Mustafa Ahmed 85 Comments

What Does An Echocardiogram Show?

An echocardiogram is used to show possible abnormalities of the heart structure and function that may be the cause for symptoms thought to be related to heart disease. An echocardiogram shows us the structure and function of the heart. It provides information on the heart pumping function and heart size. It shows us information on the heart valves and other structures in the heart. An echocardiogram also shows patterns of blood flow through the heart.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show Heart Function

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Who Needs An Echocardiogram?

Patients may be referred for an echocardiogram for a variety of different reasons. It may be due to symptoms concerning for heart disease such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness and other related symptoms. It may be to investigate a murmur heard on physical exam. It may also be to monitor existing heart conditions such as valve problems or heart failure.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Heart Pumping and Relaxing Function

An echocardiogram gives us accurate information on the pumping function of the heart. The echocardiogram will be used to calculate the ejection fraction of the heart, which is the percentage of blood that the heart pumps out with each beat. Normal ejection fraction is 50-60%. The echocardiogram also provides information on the relaxation of the heart. Heart failure can be caused by both pumping and relaxing abnormalities. Echocardiography will show information on both the left and the right side of the heart.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show Tissue Doppler

Measurements taken from an echocardiogram can show heart tissue characteristics.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Patients With Chest Pain

In patients with chest pain there are a number of different possible causes, some of which can be assessed by echocardiography. If artery blockages are suspected the echocardiogram may show abnormalities in the walls of the heart supplied by those arteries. These are known as wall motion abnormalities. In cases of pericarditis, which is inflammation of the lining around the heart there may be fluid accumulation around the heart known as a pericardial effusion.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Heart Valve Function

What Does An Echocardiogram Show Leaky Heart Valve

Echocardiograms show structure and function of the 4 valves in the heart. The aortic valve, the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve and the pulmonic valve. They can show abnormalities in valve function such as tight or leaky heart valves. A tight aortic valve is known as aortic stenosis. A leaky aortic valve is known as aortic regurgitation. A tight mitral valve is known as mitral stenosis and a leaky mitral valve is known as mitral regurgitation. Echocardiograms can be used to show the degree of tightening or leakiness of a heart valve and help us to make decisions regarding need for intervention.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Heart Size

Echocardiography is used to provide information on heart size. It can provide accurate dimensions of the chambers of the heart and also the thickness of the heart walls. It can therefore be used to detect heart chamber or wall enlargement known as hypertrophy. Echocardiography will provide information on both the left and right side of the heart.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show Heart Chamber Size

Measuring Heart Chamber Size

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Patterns Of Blood Flow

Doppler is a type of echocardiography that can show patterns of blood flow through the heart. Doppler can give us an idea of pressures inside the heart and detect those that may be abnormally high. Color Doppler may be used to examine for leaky or tight heart valves.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Advanced Analysis

Most newer generation echocardiography machines will incorporate 3D acquisition that can render the heart as a 3D image showing life like structure and function. Various characteristics such as heart strain can be examined to provide highly detailed information about the heart tissue function. These features are not typically reported on a standard echocardiogram.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show 3D Mitral

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Guidance Of Procedures

Echocardiography can be used to guide certain heart procedures such as the Mitraclip procedure, the TAVR procedure, paravalvular leak repair, mitral valvuloplasty, alcohol septal ablation and many others. In many cases advanced techniques such as 3D transesophageal echocardiography may be required. These techniques can provide real-time 3D lifelike images that can guide procedures remarkably well.

What Does An Echocardiogram Show – Surveillance Over Time

Many heart disorders will need to be monitored over time to ensure they stay stable and don’t worsen and to assess response to therapy. Echocardiography is a highly reliable way to show changes in heart structure and function over time.

4.76/5 (690)

Tell Us How We're Doing...

Filed Under: Tests & Investigations

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    June 25, 2017 at 11:10 pm

    I just wish these Doctors could get their act together and give us the correct answers…..Is coconut oil good for us or not? That is the question…..

    Why do some say it is when some say it is not ????? Just does not make sense to me….

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      June 26, 2017 at 4:17 am

      Not sure what this has to do with echocardiograms, however clearly an interesting topic. I had the same thoughts myself this week. I had started using coconut oil over the last few years and was very surprised to read the reports last week basically saying it is no better than other so called harmful saturated fats. It is extremely annoying how recommendations change so frequently and makes it hard to take many nutritional recommendations seriously. In my opinion, if part of a healthy diet with low carb in general, coconut oil is very reasonable.

      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

      Reply
      • James says

        September 26, 2018 at 2:02 am

        I’m learning but under what circumstances wouldn’t my echocardiogram be able to assess diastolic function??

        Reply
      • Adam says

        December 7, 2021 at 10:58 am

        I have pain in my chest and collarbone and neck. Feels like jugular pain on both sides of neck and what also feels like vein pain in my hands. I have cold hands and feet a lot of the time. I’ve had an ECG which was normal. I have high blood pressure 145+ which was diagnosed followed a BP monitor for 24 hours.
        I am also thirsty all the time.
        Any idea what it could be? Isn’t going away. I

        Reply
    • Tumblemark says

      July 20, 2017 at 9:39 pm

      The reason that a single advisory statement from the American Heart Association claimed that coconut oil was to be avoided was because it is mostly saturated fats. Saturated fats are bad because they increase LDL. Increased LDL is bad because it is associated with heart disease. So it’s really a chain of implications that lead to this report’s warning. This is known as the saturated fat-cholesterol-heart disease hypothesis advocated by Ancel Keys back in the ’50s and since pretty much disproven, but not discarded.

      In fact, if you look at the many, many papers on LDL it turns out that LDL has little effect on heart disease for middle aged men; lowering it with statins produces an absolute beneficial effect of about 1% reduction in all-cause mortality after taking a statin daily for five years. In other words, it increases lifespan by a few days, and statins have significant side effects. On the other hand statins show no benefit for women. And it’s been known since Framingham that LDL is actually protective for older men (you know, the ones who would be concerned about heart disease).

      There is ongoing controversy about whether saturated fats are harmful or lead to heart disease. My understanding of the best new research is that saturated fats are not harmful, but processed vegetable oils, especially those having trans fats, definitely are. All fdats are not equivalent. This is hard for nutritionists to swallow.

      What are the practical consequences of eating saturated fats? Let’s look at a concrete example: a person who started out with total cholesterol well above 200, making them a candidate for statins. If they go on a well-formulated ketegenic diet they will eat just the carbohydrates that leak into their diet from vegetables, they’ll eat plenty of fatty, red meat as well as chicken and fish, and they will eat the bulk of their calories in the form of fat, mainly saturated fat including lots of coconut oil. After some months on this diet their total cholesterol will drop below 200, their HDL and LDL will increase maybe 25%, but their triglycerides will decline maybe 50%. Their ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL will probably end up less than 3, meaning they would have about half the average risk for heart disease of someone their age.

      The AHA advisory has been attacked for selecting only four studies that support its claim while rejecting many more that refute it, but this is typical of the confusion that classical nutritionists spew out. The many research papers and personal experience of Atkins-type dieters should reassure you that you can eat all the coconut oil you want. Bon apetite.

      Reply
      • Worried says

        February 15, 2019 at 5:20 pm

        Thank you Tumblemark. Good info to prep for mrg wife’s Cardio next week about her ultrasound this morning. Too much white stuff on the screen for my liking.

        Reply
    • Lisa says

      February 7, 2018 at 7:21 pm

      I just saw a show on Dr Oz about this. Coconut oil is HIGHER in saturated fat (bad) . You need to find it WITH FIBER and then it’s ok.
      But I remember years ago that they made the theaters STOP USING COCONUT OIL TO POP THEIR POPCORN BECAUSE IT WAS TOO FATNING! I THINK I’LLLL STICK WITH OLIVE OIL!

      Reply
      • Rob says

        November 7, 2019 at 11:58 pm

        Hers the thing. Don’t trust anything that crook Dr Oz says. He has been shown to be a charlatan.

        Reply
        • Ilene says

          September 14, 2022 at 9:12 am

          Look in the mirror. You are wrong.
          He is kind.

          Reply
      • Dave says

        December 6, 2021 at 9:58 am

        I think you are misinformed, Sat fat is not the devil, it is very stable and healthy.
        You want to avoid polyunsaturated fats as these are unstable and oxidize very easily and cause health issues, I think you should be more concerned about the GMO corn (popcorn) than the sat fats in coconut oil, you need saturated fat for hormone production.

        Yes olive oil is also very good too but stay away from seed oils.

        Reply
    • Health-conscious says

      October 18, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      I can only speak from my experience. I stopped adding a teaspoon or two of Coconut Oil to my coffee each morning and stopped eating shrimp. My total cholesterol dropped from 226 to 200 in three months. For me, that answered my question because my PCP could not answer it for me.

      Reply
  2. Noha says

    July 20, 2017 at 6:09 am

    Dear Dr. Mostafa
    Greetings,,
    I’m 41 years old female, staying in UAE
    I have a regurgitation of mitral valve since 2000
    The cardiologist advised me to do a Mitral Valve surgery
    I want your opinion

    Reply
  3. Noha says

    July 20, 2017 at 6:12 am

    I sent reports on email: [email protected]

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      July 23, 2017 at 5:39 am

      please try vitalengine.com

      Reply
  4. K says

    August 3, 2017 at 2:50 am

    What is the purpose of a stress echo? I saw a cardiothoracic surgeon yesterday. He told me that my aortic stenosis is in surgery range. We both agree I am not quite sick enough yet for surgery. My cardiologist is planning next echo in December or January. If there are any changes at all, it’s go time. This surgeon told me he is going to ask my cardiologist to do a stress echo the next time. What is the difference?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      August 4, 2017 at 3:26 am

      A stress echo may be used in aortic stenosis when there is ambiguity as to the severity of the disease or if the severity is borderline. The stress (exercise or dobutamine) may be used to see if the disease is pushed in to a clear severe range that may explain symptoms at time of exertion. It simulates the active state.

      Reply
      • K says

        August 8, 2017 at 3:06 am

        Thank you so much. This makes a lot of sense. You explanation is very thorough. I was getting these every year, at the time it was thought I had BAV, but I had no stenosis yet. Last time was 10 years ago. Now they tell me it’s not BAV, but rather a very thick, stiff 3rd commissary that’s difficult to see.

        Reply
  5. edith bahamondes says

    August 5, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Excelente información, muy agradecida. Mi pregunta: el año pasado (junio) me operaron del corazón accediendo vía torácica, me hicieron 4 by pass y cambio de válvula mitral. Me siento bien a pesar que se me indicó que tengo una hipertrofia ventrículo izquierdo y este tiene una función al 25 %. ¿por qué me siento bien si mi corazón bombea mal?
    Agradecida por su comentario

    Reply
  6. NIKKI says

    November 10, 2017 at 2:29 am

    I had an echocardiogram last year from the appearance of heart palpitations that take my breath away sometimes. All my test came back completely normal, but I still don’t know the cause to my palpitations. Would the echocardiogram show if something wasn’t working correctly 100%?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      November 11, 2017 at 6:59 am

      The echocardiogram is a good test, but needs to be read by a good operator.

      you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  7. Melisa says

    January 3, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    Dr. Ahmed,

    I am a 51 year old female that in mid October went to my primary care doctor for visible swelling below my left rib cage. I was sent for two CT Scans, abdominal and chest and was told I had a mild pericardial effusion and gastritis. A few days later, I started feeling awful and started getting nauseated and stomach sick. My echocardiogram was normal and my effusion measured .4 cm and no one seemed worried. Since then, I have had an endoscope and two of those, colonoscopy, hiatal gallbladder scan, gallbladder sonogram, gastric emptying test and and MRI. My gallbladder is inflamed with a function of only 26% but surgeon feels there is an underlying problem going on that if treated will help the gallbladder. I still have the effusion witch measured 1 cm on MRI and a very inflamed stomach wall. My GI doctor has released me from GI issues and says I need a rheumatologist for a Lupus diagnosis even though my blood tests came back negative. I am getting upset and frustrated and don’t know where to turn. My swelling under the rib cage is larger, I am still nauseated and wondering if I should see a cardiologist before rheumatologist. My white count has dropped to 3000 the week of Christmas but was 4300 when all this began in mid October. Can you give a suggestion on a route to take? The swelling is bothersome as well as nausea. Oh, I have also lost 14 pounds since this started. Thank you

    Melisa

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      January 7, 2018 at 7:35 pm

      If you are worried it will not hurt you to seek cardiology evaluation. The pericardial effusion is described as small and not likely related to the swelling on the chest wall. The situation sounds complex. I would ask your primary care dr if they feel a referral to a cardiologist is appropriate.

      Reply
    • Rachel says

      February 24, 2021 at 11:06 pm

      I’m leaning towards inflammation is triggering all those symptoms I’d systems that are not functioning up to par.yet inflammation is magnifying them.Root cause..whatever is triggering inflammation..(auto immune) needle in haystack..My life..??‍♀️

      Reply
  8. Danny Schuster says

    January 25, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    What do patients do when the MD says a echo really needs to be done but the pt. can not afford their copay they have with their insurance? My copay could be as much as $500.00 and I’m on disability! Is their another test that can be done that insurance would cover? My ekg shows some questionable changes such as QRS changes and a inverted T wave! It sucks being poor. Thank u

    Reply
  9. Sage says

    January 31, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    can an echo r/o widow maker,tear in aorta,problems w/LAD,etc

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      February 5, 2018 at 2:55 am

      No

      Reply
  10. Sanya says

    February 10, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Hello i had an echo done and the results given to a cardiologist. The results show my measurements are in normal range but the technician put hypertensive heart disease. The cardiologist said I was just hypertensive and gave me meds but my symptoms are worrying me. What do I do? The cardiologist is very good though.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      February 10, 2018 at 6:27 pm

      Hypertensive signs on an echo may include generalized wall thickening and the concern over time is that the function can depress. For this reason, the blood pressure control over time is key. That is the only real treatment.

      you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
      • Rudy says

        June 29, 2019 at 12:05 am

        I just has a nuclear stress test- passed this test, Calcium score test- some calcium present, and now I just had an echo test. I was told normal blood flow from echo, abnormal wall movement, and not I need to see a cardiologist. I am on blood pressure medications- which have helped greatly, and now a cholesterol pill. I am stressing out over what might be next. Any thoughts?

        Reply
        • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

          August 1, 2019 at 5:30 am

          Sounds like your tests have good news!

          You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

          Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

          Reply
  11. Sanya says

    February 10, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    My question really is can the measurements of the heart and ecg readings show hypertensive heart disease. Can you tell the state of the heart from that as a cardiologist presented with those things.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      February 10, 2018 at 6:28 pm

      https://myheart.net/articles/uncontrolled-hypertension-including-hypertension-emergencies/

      You may find this useful

      Reply
  12. Jan says

    February 16, 2018 at 8:13 am

    Hi there
    I have question if I may :
    I recently had an echocardiogram and the only thing that concerns me is the LVIdD that is 59 mm
    Other parameters are fine (EF 70%, IVsd 11 mm ,Normal wall function, valves and anatomy normal).Am 33 years old very active (weightlifting running and basketball) for most of my life am 178 height and weigh in 84 kg.
    Your answer would be greatly appreciated

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      February 18, 2018 at 7:41 am

      The first thing to do is have the interpreting practitioner look at the study and determine the accuracy of the reading. Its also important to have them draw volumes if they feel there is any abnormal values. If the ef is 70% unlikely there are issues however have then check.

      you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  13. Jan says

    February 16, 2018 at 3:12 pm

    Hi Mustafa

    Is LVIDD parameter of 59 mm of very active 33 old male something to really worry about ?
    Other parameters fine (normal valve function, EF 70 % , normal wall function)
    Am 178 and weight 84 kilograms
    Your answer would be greatly appreciated

    Reply
    • Jan says

      February 19, 2018 at 9:58 am

      Many thanks for your answer the practitioner haven’t said that I should be concern with this
      it’s just me as the norm for the LVidd is to 57 mm and am above 2 mm. In what time would you recommend for me to retake the exam ?
      Once again many thanks for your time and help

      Reply
  14. Bill says

    April 3, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    I am a 43 year old male and I am overweight. Last year(June 2017) I had a stress echo done and everything had come back good. No issues what-so-ever. My question is this: It’s been about a year, what level of blockages does the echo read? Doe it show slight buildup of plaque or only major blockages. What if I had minor blockages during my testing and they were missed? Could they have dangerous build up now after a year has passed? Should I try to get an echo every year?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      April 9, 2018 at 2:42 am

      The echo would only pick up significant obstructive blockages, minor blockages are unlikely to progress to severe over a year. You may find this article linked helpful. https://myheart.net/articles/do-i-need-a-stress-test/

      you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  15. Kd says

    May 20, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    I had an echo and holter monitor due to palpitations. Holter monitor just stated sinus rhythm with occasional pvc’s. Echo showed ef 60-65%. No wall abnormalities, no stenosis or regurgitation with any valves. Tricuspid peak gradient value of 17 mm hg, no pericardial effusion, but it does show “the right atrium is dilated”. I dont have high blood pressure. I am over weight with hypo thyroid. My pcp never referred me to cardiology she just said “we watch it”. Ive never been given an answer as to what causes right atrial enlargment. Any ideas

    Reply
  16. Alana Messer says

    May 24, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    I’m 49. I had a stresstest and an echo but not a stress echo. My cholesterol even with exercise and not eating alot of fat is 210. My hdl is low at 38. Its been low 5 years. Triglycerides are 100. My stress and echo looked good. MY 67 yr old mother has significant cad. She had her widow maker Lad and the circumflex ( sorry if thats the wrong term)blocked and one other. Will the tests I have had be sufficient for me to rest at ease for now? . I do have palpitations but they weren’t concerned. MY mother’s doctor keep saying this is very hereditary. She always had great cholesterol levels and low blood pressure till arpund 50 just like .me. I can get a scan that would show calcification levels without a doctor referral. I want to to decide if I shpuld. I just keep hearing people say and doctors that women my age dont get severe Cad that Its mostly men. My friend died at 47 from a heart attack

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      May 26, 2018 at 3:04 am

      If you don’t have symptoms and your stress test is normal and you have been evaluated by a Dr. then that is certainly reassuring. With your history the most critical thing is to manage risk factors such as blood pressure, lifestyle etc.

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  17. Ch says

    July 4, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    Hi Dr Mustafa

    I am a 47 year old female, non smoker, non drinker & slim. I have fairly severe palpitations. ECG showed bradycardia, holter showed constant irregular heartbeat (bi & trigeminy), echo showed aortic & mitral valve slight leaks. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. My cardiologist says I can’t have beta blockers as they slow heart rate & I already have bradycardia. He says just to live with it which I don’t mind but the palpitations are stopping me sleeping & the past 10 days I have had chest pains like my heart is being squeezed. Do I need to get further investigation or just live with it please? Thank you in advance

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      July 14, 2018 at 4:44 am

      If you are worried and have not been reassured by your evaluation and have symptoms, seek evaluation.

      Reply
  18. Rich says

    July 17, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    My recent echo seemed good (summary below)..Is it common to have trace regurgitation in 3 valves?….My first echo 10 years ago, i had trace mitral & tricuspid regurgitation…

    “COLOR FLOW DOPPLER:
    There is trace mitral regurgitation. There is trace tricuspid regurgitation.
    There is trace pulmonic regurgitation.

    FINAL IMPRESSIONS:
    01) The left ventricle has normal systolic function. The estimated left
    ventricular ejection fraction is 55-60%.
    02) Normal right ventricle size. The right ventricle has normal function.
    03) Normal diastolic function”.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      July 29, 2018 at 12:21 am

      Yes thats ok.

      you can follow our twitter at @mustafaahmedmd

      Reply
  19. Pam says

    September 11, 2018 at 8:05 pm

    I had mitral valve repair 6 months ago. In the last 3 months I have shortness of breath with any exertion and constant fatigue. In recent weeks, also have severe palpitations and headache. Last week ECHO shows trace regurgitation, 60% EF. Cardiologist says ECHO looks good. Is it possible to have some valve malfunction that doesn’t show up on the ECHO? I feel sicker than I did before the surgery.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      September 18, 2018 at 3:26 am

      What was the gradient across the valve, sometimes the valve can be tighter than usual after a repair rarely leading to symptoms. If there is supporting evidence such as a murmur and concern for the valve itself a TEE may be the next step of choice.

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  20. Sandy Smith says

    September 14, 2018 at 8:42 pm

    I don’t understand anything about this. To many big words that I don’t understand. What are the colors?

    Reply
  21. D. Kennedy says

    September 17, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    A sibling had an echo two months ago at the VA. Normal. After being in emergency and having 5 stents and further surgery in 2-3 weeks for the left side, WHY wasn’t this seen at time of echo?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      September 18, 2018 at 3:03 am

      Resting echo does not predict the possiblity of a heart attack in most cases, it simply tells you the function at that time.

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  22. Debasish Roy says

    October 4, 2018 at 7:18 am

    Pericardial effusion 12mm.tap done
    2 mnts back.Weather it is recurr 2 mnts.Is it curable.Test shows all negetive.

    Reply
  23. Lionel Shaw says

    October 9, 2018 at 10:19 am

    I am a 58 year old male and have stable moderate aortic regurgitation 2-3/4 which is monitored annually by echo. My LVEDV is 155 mls and ejection fraction in the range of 50-55. I have a mildly dilated left ventricle and left atrium but no adverse remodelling. QST – are my LVEDV and EF in the normal range and is there anything I can do to slow progression of the regurgitation?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      October 15, 2018 at 2:41 am

      In general medical therapies are not there for aortic regurgitation, blood pressure control and such are important. The best thing to do is ensure regular follow up.

      you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  24. Gary Dean says

    March 30, 2019 at 3:14 am

    I am a 59 year old male and have long term moderate aortic regurgitation which is monitored through annual echos.

    I would have thought that with chronic moderate aortic regurgitation (2-3/4) this would result in volume overload and progressive left ventricular enlargement. While my latest echo shows I have very mild left ventricle hypertrophy I am a little curious why many of my overall heart measurements have improved since last year:
    IVS d – up from 0.9cm to 1.1 cm
    LVPW d – up from 1cm to 1.1 cm
    LV volume – reduced from 155 to 140 ml
    LVID d – reduction in size from 5.6cm to 5.4cm
    Normal overall left ventricular systolic function – improved from low normal
    Ejection fraction – 55-60 percent – improved from 50-55 percent
    Left Atrium – reduction in size from 25cm2 to 18cm2
    Right Atrium – reduction in size from 21cm2 to 19cm2

    Generally speaking could these measurements represent improved heart function ie I have lost about 5kgs and increased my exercise to 13000 steps a day at moderate to fast pace?
    Is the chronic moderate aortic regurgitation likely to be the cause of mild concentric LV hypertrophy?

    Gary

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      April 7, 2019 at 6:24 am

      Unless done in a very tightly controlled lab im not sure of the accuracy of the echo although the trend is reassuring. MRI would be more accurate. Chronic AI indeed can lead to concentric hypertrophy.

      follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  25. Susan Clary says

    April 3, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    Comparison of Dec 2018 echo to March 2019 echo shows “marked decline in EF from 69% in 12/18 to 40% in 3/19. What could cause such a rapid decline in 3 months

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      April 7, 2019 at 5:53 am

      Many possible causes, it requires investigation.

      follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Reply
  26. Jawahar says

    May 4, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    Dr Mustafa,

    I am 45 and my 2D Echo report says

    Aortic valve Calcific Tricuspid
    Left Atrium 3.8 cm
    Left Ventricle ESD 2.9 cm EDD 4.8 cm PW 1.0 cm EF 69% FS 39%
    Aorta 3.5 cm
    IVS 1.1 cm
    Mitral flow E > A
    Aortic flow 2.4 m/sec
    Pulmonary flow 1.0 m/sec
    Tricuspid flow TRJV 2.7 m/sec RVSP 38 mmHg

    Please advice.

    Reply
  27. James Daubert says

    May 6, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    Very interesting and helpful article on using the Echo for detection of heart disease and poor functioning. I recently had an Eye Stroke that caused partial blindness in one of my eyes. The ER Doctors scheduled me for many tests including the Echocardiogram.

    They said that the piece of cholesterol that caused an occlusion in a branch artery of my retina. Why would they order an Echocardiogram to seek the cause of my issue? My docs noted that the CAT SCAN of my brain and neck showed normal results,

    Please enlighten me. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      May 20, 2019 at 4:12 am

      You need a full embolic work up including carotid, echo shunt testing with bubble study, and other, a neurologist, cardiologist and ophthalmologist should be involved.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  28. FRANK says

    May 13, 2019 at 9:38 am

    is playing tennis one hour before TRANSTHORACIC ECHO COMPLETE TEST OKAY?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      May 20, 2019 at 3:14 am

      In general, yes.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  29. Marcie says

    May 23, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    Hello Dr. Ahmed,

    I had an echo done 15 years ago that showed a mild MVP and no other abnormalities; was told not to worry about it. Now, at age 61, I had another echo done and there was no evidence of MVP. Can you explain how this can be true? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      July 5, 2019 at 3:55 am

      Most likely the prior echo done overcalled the MVP and in fact it was not present, this was common in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  30. Alicia says

    June 3, 2019 at 9:16 pm

    I’m 39 years old, non-smoker and have a really low resting bpm. I just had an echo and the doctor said my results are normal but my resting heart rate is really low, last night it registered the lowest at 39 bpm. I’ve also had blood work (results were normal) and an EKG done (the EKG recored low heart rate). So far I’m not getting any answers as to why my resting heart rate is so low. I’m not a super athlete by any means. What other tests would help figure this out? Why didn’t the echo show anything? Should I be concerned? Is 39bpm dangerous? I’m worried it’s just going to stop beating while I’m sleeping ( I don’t have sleep apnea either). Please help!

    Reply
  31. Terry says

    June 14, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    Hi sir,

    I’v done several echo,ecg all cames fine but stress test ( treadmill ) i was very tired on third stage not tired tired but i’v done on 99% i am 23 years old ( Male ) i have shortnes of breath since 17 years old and palpitations , high pulse , chest pain , hand pain ( left )….

    What do u suggest sometimes when is hot weather i can’t go out cuz i cant breath normaly it’s very hard for me !!

    Please advice

    Reply
  32. Doris A Toney says

    June 17, 2019 at 12:41 am

    Can having a low potassium level when doing an echocardiogram make the pumping number of my heart be lower than it would be if the potassium was normal.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      July 7, 2019 at 6:29 am

      It would have to likely be dangerously low to cause that.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  33. Klc says

    July 3, 2019 at 12:43 am

    I had an echo and angiogram almost 3 years ago stemming from a positive nuclear stress test and abnormal ekg. I also suffer severe anxiety. Anyways after the angiogram the cardiologist told me I had wide open arteries and I asked him about the echo and he said they would’ve told him if there were an issue. I called week later and they tell me all is well and I can exercise no restrictions. I’m medically obese 38 almost 39 year old woman. I was 36 then. I’ve been having some heart racing issues and anxiety since my mother passed in January and I know all about patient portals now so I pulled my old records which show mild concentric LVH and borderline enlarged LA. Left ventricle: the left ventricle is normal in size ejection fraction 60 to 65%. Left ventricular systolic function is normal. Doppler derive data suggest grade one left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The left ventricular wall motion is normal. There is mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy.

    Atria borderline left atrial enlargement. Right atrial size.

    Tricuspid valve: The Tricuspid valve is normal and structure and function. Nonrheumatic mild tricuspid regurgitation. Right ventricular systolic pressure is less than 30 MM HG which is considered within normal limits.

    IVSd 1.1 cm
    LVPWd 1.1
    LA 3.9

    I guess I just don’t understand why I was told all was well and nobody ever said anything about this to me. I did mention at the top of the study that it was sub optimal due to body habituate. I just don’t know what to do anymore as it has my health anxiety out of control.

    Reply
  34. Klc says

    July 3, 2019 at 12:45 am

    I had an echo and angiogram almost 3 years ago stemming from a positive nuclear stress test and abnormal ekg. I also suffer severe anxiety. Anyways after the angiogram the cardiologist told you me I had wide open arteries and I asked him about the echo and he said they would’ve told him if there were an issue. I called week later and they tell me all is well and I can exercise no restrictions. I’m medically obese 38 almost 39 year old woman. I was 36 then. I’ve been having some heart racing issues and anxiety since my mother passed in January and I know all about patient portals now so I pulled my old records which show mild concentric LVH and borderline enlarged LA. Left ventricle: the left ventricle is normal in size ejection fraction 60 to 65%. Left ventricular systolic function is normal. Doppler derive data suggest grade one left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The left ventricular wall motion is normal. There is mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy.

    Atria borderline left atrial enlargement. Right atrial size.

    Tricuspid valve: The Tricuspid valve is normal and structure and function. Nonrheumatic mild tricuspid regurgitation. Right ventricular systolic pressure is less than 30 MM HG which is considered within normal limits.

    IVSd 1.1 cm
    LVPWd 1.1
    LA 3.9

    I guess I just don’t understand why I was told all was well and nobody ever said anything about this to me. I did mention at the top of the study that it was sub optimal due to body habituate. I just don’t know what to do anymore as it has my health anxiety out of control.

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      August 1, 2019 at 5:37 am

      The echo is for the main normal, there is some mild relaxation abnormality reported that may be a response to mildly thick heart and obesity. Loss of weight and bp control may be important here.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
      • Korina says

        August 14, 2019 at 6:13 am

        Thank you so so so much for answering this question. I have one more. I was having severe anxiety during the echo and having constant PVCs. Could this have an impact on the results or the diastolic dysfunction?

        Reply
  35. Shawn Neil Wendt says

    July 7, 2019 at 7:10 am

    I recently got an EKG and my doctor told me that the results had shown that I had had a infarct sometime in the last year since my last EKG. I am a 47 year old male, 5’10” and I have lost 64 lbs through diet and exercise in the last 6 months, down to 262 lbs. I don’t remember any of the symptoms of a heart attack in the last year. Could this result be a false positive? Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Shawn Neil Wendt says

      July 7, 2019 at 7:17 am

      Also a non smoker, no alcohol. Was a type 2 diabetic, but now with the weight loss, my A1C is non-diabetic. Off of Metformin. Doctor says it’s ok to still exercise, but a little worried.

      Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      August 1, 2019 at 5:51 am

      Could very much be a false positive, an echo would be helpful.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  36. Korina says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    I left a long comment on here the other day and it appears to have been removed.

    Reply
  37. Gerald Sutter says

    July 18, 2019 at 12:08 am

    I’m in my mid eighties. My cardiologist wants me to have an echocardiogram.Question! What the hell will they do if results of enlarged heart or clogged arteries show Up? I’m already on cholesterol & BP meds! Certainly going under the knife is not a prceedure for me & my last experience under the knife for coridic arteries ended with me suffering a stroke with deabilitating results! I don’t think this test is necessary and am considering rejecting it. Your oppion?

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      August 5, 2019 at 3:47 am

      I think its important to understand why the test was ordered, the information to be gained and the nature of the treatment options available. For example, if over 80, no symptoms, and no reason to suspect critical disease then i totally agree. If the same age, but life limiting symptoms, the chance of a diagnosis, and a non surgical, safe option is available, then you might want to know about it. Its also critical that under any circumstance you are clear that you would prefer a conservative approach where appropriate.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  38. Shirley S. says

    March 21, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    My recent echocardiogrm showed my left altrium is 43 mm (5.5 cc/m2). The impression was moderate aortic insufficiency with no evidence of ventricular dilation and well preserved ventricular systolic function with EF of 68% All Valves indicated a Normal result. MY LV mass index is very slightly increased. Should i be concerned about the altrium enlargement range.

    Reply
  39. Annie says

    December 4, 2021 at 7:02 am

    Question- after I had COVID I had a routine EKG a year later and was diagnosed with a delayed QT . It is not hereditary in our family. Would an echocardiogram provide further helpful information or not necessarily? Have you heard of a delayed QT in people with COVID? Never heard of this before and trying to figure out what to do!

    Reply
  40. Margery Hamilton says

    December 22, 2021 at 10:05 pm

    i agree, I am not clear about either, and I want to know

    Reply
  41. Teresa Remy says

    January 6, 2022 at 8:14 pm

    Echo showed trivial to small amount of fluid. Had a pericardial window 2 months ago and a list of fluid was removed. Was tested and all negative for cancer. Determined it was RA. Or idiopathic. Should I be concerned? Does fluid return after a pericardial window?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says

      February 6, 2022 at 11:53 pm

      Typically it does not return after a window.

      You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD

      Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.

      Reply
  42. belinda evans says

    January 19, 2022 at 10:24 am

    Hi I have recently had SOB and chest pain. A CT SCAN showed clear heart arteries. the TTE suggests normal function of heart muscle. However letter from consultant states re results of TTE; “interestingly there was an unusual appearance of the bottom of the heart which in most occasions is just a normal variant however, we many need to procedure with further investigations for this with Cardic MRI. This finding is not associated with the complaints that you reported”. Does anyone have an idea of what it could be and should I push for an MRI?
    THANKS

    Reply
  43. jennie says

    September 11, 2022 at 1:01 pm

    I have an echocardiogram booked for 3 weeks time, but i am concerned that it’s not enough. I have been having tight pain in my heart for the past month and its started at the onset of running- it is now happening every time i walk more than 5 minutes or so. My ecg showed an arrythmia but was told they werent concerned, and my bloods were normal. I’m in treatment for an eating disorder and i am now at a healthy bmi. Will the echocardiogram be enough to fully explore this pain as its getting worse but no one seems worried- except for me!! Its not normal tonot be able to walk without heart pain and im 45 year old female with a healthy bmi.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Connect with:
Facebook Google Twitter
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911. These comments are not guaranteed to be read in a timely manner and should not be used to seek immediate medical advice.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dr. Mustafa Ahmed

View My Posts

Recent Posts

  • Reasons for Geographic And Racial Difference in Strokes
  • IN “REGARDS” TO THE STROKE BELT.
  • Arts in Medicine with Kimberly Kirklin at UAB and Dr Rachel Easterwood in New York
  • THE CHRONIC LEAKY MITRAL VALVE
  • Leaky Mitral Valve

Categories

  • Aortic disease (7)
  • Featured Articles (65)
  • General Health (38)
    • Complementary Medicine (1)
  • Heart Disease (176)
    • Cardiac Arrhythmias (17)
    • Coronary Artery Disease (51)
    • Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies (29)
    • Heart Valves (46)
  • Heart Health (112)
    • Diet & Nutrition (36)
    • Exercise (34)
    • Risk & Prevention (54)
  • Medical News (9)
  • Podcast (65)
  • Tests & Investigations (28)
  • Uncategorized (3)
  • Vascular Disease (27)
    • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) (14)
RECENT POSTS
  • Reasons for Geographic And Racial Difference in Strokes
  • IN “REGARDS” TO THE STROKE BELT.
  • Arts in Medicine with Kimberly Kirklin at UAB and Dr Rachel Easterwood in New York
  • THE CHRONIC LEAKY MITRAL VALVE
  • Leaky Mitral Valve
FOLLOW US
ABOUT MY HEART

MyHeart is a group of physicians dedicated to empowering patients to take control of their health. Read by over a million people every year, MyHeart is quickly becoming a “go to” resource for patients across the world.

POPULAR TOPICS ON MYHEART
  • POTS Syndrome Center
  • Earlobe Crease & Heart Disease
  • Atrial Fibrillation with RVR
  • STEMI
  • MitraClip
  • Mitral Regurgitation
NAVIGATION
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Authors
  • Resources
    • MitraClip University
      • Advanced Steering
    • POTS Center
    • Heart Healthy Nutrition
    • MyHeart Videos
  • Articles
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.
© 2023 MyHeart. All rights reserved.
MyHeart is not a substitute for advice from a doctor. Read our medical disclaimer. Sitemap.