Help understanding the results of my Echo

[Norma2395]

Can someone help me understand my recent Echo?

Indication: Evaluate LVF (is that Left Ventricular Heart Failure/CHF?)

Aortic Root --2.6cm
Aotic Valve Excursion --1.7cm
Left Atrium --2.9cm
Mitral Valve Excursion --1.9cm
Mitral E Point Septal Separation --0.3cm
LV End Systole --1.7cm
LV End Diastole --4.2cm
Fractional Shortening --60%
Intraventricular Septum --0.9cm
Posterior Wall --0.9cm
RV -- (blank)
LV Ejection Fraction --67%

Everything was noted as normal other than: Atrial septal aneurysm is present.

Thanks Norma

[Norma2395]

...but I agree with your statement in that my heart does seem to be functioning well which the dr. did state. However, he did say that my LVF will eventually go from asymptomatic to symptomatic and at that point surgical intervention would need to be addressed.

Here's the other part of my test results if you can give me your input on it I'd appreciate it...

Stress test findings: Images show mild intensity small-sized defect, located in the distal anterior and apical wall. Rest images show no change of the defect compared to the stress images. This defect suggests infarction vs. artifact in the wall. Gated SPECT imaging demonstates abnormal septal motion of the distal anterior and apical wall. The left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated to be 56%.

Nuclear Perfusion Impression: 1) Probably normal myocardial perfusion sestamibi SPECT imaging after lexiscan stress testing. There is a small area of infarction vs artifact in the distal anterior and apical wall. There is no evidence of significant ischemia; 2) Overall left ventricular function was normal with abnormal septal motion regional wall motion abnormalities as noted.

I was also recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's (autoimmune disease), Adrenal Fatigue and a variety of anemias all of which I am being treated for and seems to be under control. As a toddler I had encephalitis of the brain accompanied by extremely high fevers. This spring I had to have removed a Thyroid nodule and I got the above-stated results during a pre-op test. The cardiologist I had I'd never seen before just brushed it off and said that I had an atrial septal aneurysm and essentially told me just come see me once a year. No mention of any infarction at all. I've always suffered from palpitations, pronounced/aware of my heartbeat, low BP and normal heart rate (70's). Sometimes I feel like my heart is racing but then I check and it'll be in the upper 70's to low 80's. Just the other day I felt a sharp pain righ below my neck in the upper chest/righ in the middle that lasted about half an hr but it didn't move or get worse so I ignored it. I was resting n watching movies. Am in shock at the findings and I suspected that's what it was as soon as I read it. smh! What do you think?

[Norma2395]

hehehe...The doctor told me that I have Left Ventricular Failure and suspects that it was caused by a childhood incident I had of encephalitis coupled with super high fevers (possibly Rheumatic Fever) that put me in a coma and grave condition. Those doctors who treated me then told my mother that because of the severity of my condition that my heart would eventually fail and I would not live past my early thirties. They'd diagnosed me with a heart murmur (I think they called it a basal apical systolic murmur back then) tracked my cardiac health for the following 12 years. The only lingering symptoms I've lived with are an awareness of my heart rate, palpitations/flutterings. Incredible thing to say to my Mom who ended up raising me in a nutshell as a result...sorry docs you were all wrong because I'm 44 and still kicking. hehehe :o) Thanks again and blessings!

[is_something_wrong]

You're welcome.

What I don't understand is how anything is indicating that you have Left Ventricular Failure? Nothing in your report is indicating that.

If you are referring to: "Indication: Evaluate LVF", it doesn't mean "left ventricular failure". LVF = Left Ventricular Function, which is a common indication for echocardiography (others could be "investigating heart murmur" or "investigating cause for atrial fibrillation", to mention a couple). Left ventricular function is tested and found normal.

A weakened heart would not be able to increase EF to 67% at rest. You can relax :-)

[Norma2395]

Thank you so much for your response! My only concern is since the findings of this test indicated I had Left Ventricular Failure that my heart may be starting to work harder due to this abnormality. I'm only 44yrs old, 122lbs and in otherwise good health.

[is_something_wrong]

Your left ventricular function is completely normal. Your heart is pumping very strong, your fractional shortening is above normal, and your ejection fraction is in the upper level of normal. As far as I know, the other numbers are normal too.

I can't say what the significance of an atrial septal aneurysm is. You should ask your doctor if you are worried.