A chiari network is a normal variant-- present in about 2% of the population and is an embryonic remnant. From reading the information you've given, the mildly thickened mitral valves are the only thing that seems abnormal (often this is called myxomatous). Why were you referred to a cardiologist-- the mild mitral regurgitation and thickened mitral valve is what I am assuming. As far as getting a new physician, I think you need to go to someone that makes you comfortable and if that means you need to switch,then do that.I always support someone finding a physician that makes them comfortable and what makes people comfortable varies tremendously. I strongly encourage you to find you like and stick with that person!
Hi and thank you for responding. To answer your question as to why I was referred to a cardiologist - My primary care physican ordered an echo due to a new heart murmur and shortness of breath while excercising. The results of the echo not only showed the mitral valve issues but it also showed that the aortic valve is bicuspid, has focal nodular sclerosis and there is mild aortic regurgitation with a pressure half-time of 555ms. The cardio classifed the echo as abnormal and my physician suggested that I should meet with him. I am moderately active, jog or walk 2-3 miles, 3 to 4 times per week. since this diagnosis, I am more in tune with my body and I do notice some mild tightening in the chest, it seems to happen just once or twice per day, usually in the late afternoon. In my initial posted question, I had asked about the normal size of the ascending Aorta, a range was not given and I was trying to figure out if the 3.2 cm diameter was normal or enlarged.