Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Terms Explained - Cardiology

More Info

---

Understanding your echocardiogram report can be daunting, especially with the medical jargon and numerical data involved. Let’s break down the key components of your report to help clarify what it means for your heart health.


1. Interpretation Summary
- Adequate LV Systolic Function: This indicates that your left ventricle (LV), which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body, is functioning well during contraction.
- MV and TV Prolapse: This refers to the mitral valve (MV) and tricuspid valve (TV) having a condition known as prolapse, where the valve flaps (leaflets) bulge backward into the heart chamber instead of closing tightly. This can sometimes lead to regurgitation, where blood leaks backward.


2. Chamber and Function
- No Chamber Dilatation: This means that the size of your heart chambers is normal, which is a good sign as enlargement can indicate heart disease.

- LVEF = 62.8%: The Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) measures the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the LV with each heartbeat. A normal range is typically between 55% to 70%, so your value indicates good heart function.

- Normal LV Diastolic Function: This means that your heart is able to fill properly with blood during the relaxation phase.

- Average E/e’ = 6.3: This ratio helps assess the filling pressures of the heart. A value less than 15 is generally considered normal, indicating that your heart is not under excessive pressure.

- Normal RV Function: The right ventricle (RV) is also functioning well, which is important for pumping blood to the lungs.

- Estimated PA Pressure = 18 mmHg: This is the pressure in the pulmonary artery. Normal values are typically below 25 mmHg, so your reading is within a healthy range, indicating no pulmonary hypertension.


3. Valves
- Mitral Valve: Myxomatous Prolapse of Anterior Leaflet (A2): This describes a specific type of mitral valve prolapse where the anterior leaflet is affected. Myxomatous degeneration is a common cause of this condition.

- Mild Mitral Regurgitation (MR): This indicates a small amount of blood is leaking backward through the mitral valve when it should be closed. Mild regurgitation is often not a cause for concern.

- Trivial Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR): Similar to MR, this indicates a very small amount of blood leaking backward through the tricuspid valve, which is generally not significant.

- Insignificant Pulmonary Regurgitation (PR): This means that there is a negligible amount of blood leaking backward through the pulmonary valve, which is also not a concern.


4. Others
- No Pericardial Effusion: This means there is no fluid accumulation around the heart, which is a positive finding.

- Eustachian Valve in RA: This is a normal anatomical structure found in the right atrium (RA) of the heart and is not a cause for concern.


Conclusion
Overall, your echocardiogram report suggests that your heart is functioning well with adequate systolic function and no significant issues. The mild regurgitation in the mitral and tricuspid valves is common and often does not require treatment unless symptoms arise. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss these findings in the context of your overall health and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications can help maintain heart health, especially considering your history of myocardial infarction and bypass surgery. Always feel free to ask your doctor for clarification on any terms or findings that you do not understand.