Echo

[carwoman]

I recently had an echocardiogram due to shortness of breath.  It states that left ventricular systolic function is preserved?  What does that mean?  The ejection fraction by biplane method is 57%.  It also says the aortic valve is a trileaflet structure with preserved leaflet excursion and closure.  I am a 44 year old female that is overweight, diabetic, thyroid disease & acid reflux.  I take many medicines everyday and feel like the medicines are causing trouble.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks
Carmen

[kenkeith]

The factors that influence the extent of aorta  leaflet opening (excursion) is normal...meaning there is no restriction (structually) during the filling phase (diastole) of the heartbeat.  Closure of the aorta valve is normal and no leakage observed.

Systolic function (pumping phase) is normal at 57% EF.  Meaning 57% of blood/oxygen is pumped out with each hearrtbeat as measured by 2-dimension echocardiogram.  Expected range of EF is 55 to 75%.

The test does not reveal explanation for your shortness of breath, but it rules out some aspects of a heart disorder.