Do You Need an Urgent Follow-Up After Your Heart Ultrasound?

Is an immediate follow-up appointment necessary?

Hello Doctor, I previously underwent a cardiac ultrasound examination and was supposed to return for a follow-up to review the report.
However, due to the pandemic, I canceled the appointment.
I would like to ask if there are any abnormalities in the ultrasound report and whether I need to schedule an immediate follow-up.
Thank you.
Report:
UCG No.: LA 110, IVS: 8 mm; LVEDD: 43 mm; LVESD: 28 mm; PW: 5 mm; LV mass (gm) = 78; EF by M-mode: 64%; Ao: 28 mm; LA: 32 mm;
1.
Heart size: dilatation of: nil; thickening of: nil; cardiomyopathy: nil
2.
Pericardial effusion: nil; tamponade: nil
3.
LV systolic function: adequate
4.
Valvular lesions: MVP: nil; MS: nil; MR: mild to moderate, eccentric jet by color flow mapping; AS: nil, max aortic velocity: 1.2 m/s; AR: nil; TS: nil; TR: mild, Vmax: 2.3 m/s; max gradient: 21 mmHg; PS: nil; PR: mild
5.
Mitral E/A = 0.85/0.61 m/s (E/A ratio = 1.4); Dec Time = 148 ms; septal E/E’’ = 8.4, lateral E/E’’ = 5.5
6.
Asynergy: no regional wall motion abnormality at resting state
7.
Common congenital lesions: nil
8.
Others: TAPSE = 19 mm, IVC diameter 11 mm without inspiratory collapse > 50%
Conclusion: Adequate LV and RV systolic function.
Mild to moderate mitral regurgitation, eccentric jet, P3 coaptation abnormality.
Mild tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation.

sherry, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/19

Dr. Cai Guiqin reply Cardiology

It is advisable for you to discuss the above situation further with your attending physician.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2021/03/19

More Info

Based on the echocardiogram report you provided, it appears that there are some notable findings that warrant further discussion. The report indicates that you have mild to moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) and mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR), along with adequate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) systolic function. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is reported at 64%, which is within the normal range, indicating that your heart is pumping effectively.

Understanding the Findings
1. Mitral Regurgitation: This condition occurs when the mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts. The report describes the MR as mild to moderate, which means that while there is some backflow of blood, it may not be severe enough to cause significant symptoms or complications at this time. However, the presence of an eccentric jet suggests that the regurgitation is not uniform and may require monitoring.

2. Tricuspid Regurgitation: Similar to MR, TR occurs when the tricuspid valve does not close properly. The report indicates that this is also mild, which typically does not require immediate intervention unless symptoms develop or the condition worsens.

3. Systolic Function: Both the LV and RV systolic functions are described as adequate, which is a positive sign. This means that your heart is effectively pumping blood to the rest of your body.

4. Echocardiographic Measurements: The dimensions of the heart chambers and wall thicknesses are within normal limits, with no significant dilation or hypertrophy noted. This is reassuring as it suggests that there is no overt cardiomyopathy or heart failure at this time.

Recommendations for Follow-Up
Given these findings, it is advisable to have a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider, particularly a cardiologist, to discuss the implications of the mild to moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. While immediate intervention may not be necessary, regular monitoring is essential to ensure that the condition does not progress.
1. Regular Monitoring: It is generally recommended that patients with mild to moderate MR and TR undergo periodic echocardiograms to monitor any changes in the severity of the regurgitation and the overall function of the heart.
2. Symptom Awareness: Be vigilant for any new symptoms such as increased shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in the legs, which could indicate worsening heart function. If you experience any of these symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention promptly.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, and managing risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.

4. Medication Management: If you are on medications for other conditions (like hypertension or diabetes), ensure that these are well-managed, as they can significantly impact your overall cardiovascular health.

Conclusion
In summary, while your echocardiogram shows some mild to moderate regurgitation, the overall function of your heart appears to be adequate. It is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment with a cardiologist to discuss these findings in detail and establish a monitoring plan. Regular follow-ups will help ensure that any changes in your condition are addressed promptly, allowing for timely intervention if necessary.

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