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17020225 tn?1455749597

Question about heart test results

I have recently went to the cardiologist for some chest discomfort and palpitations. I had an ekg,  heart ultrasound,  and stress test.  I got my results back today.  The doctor said the only thing they found that was not normal and that they usually don't see in people my age (28 yr old female) is that my heart muscle is slower to relax.  He says it's minor and we're just gonna keep an eye on it.  But in extreme cases it can cause heart failure. I didn't really expect them to find anything and was kind of in shock and couldn't come up with any questions to ask at the time.  Does anyone know what this is called,  and if there is anything you can do to keep it from getting worse?
9 Responses
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17020225 tn?1455749597
I also found out I have a mild murmur but it is mild and the LV DD is also mild.  So I have no restrictions thank God.
Helpful - 1
612551 tn?1450022175
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sorry to read when a young person has heart "issues".  The difference in the Echo readings just adds to the advice to "take with a grain of salt" I think I read in an earlier reply.  I have had many Echo and am an old guy, so we part company on many aspects.  So I reply to say hi and do encourage you get regular check ups.. I have no idea on how often, that is something your Cardiologist should decide. But, just saying  "keep an eye on it" isn't good enough and I assume the Doc did schedule a follow up you didn't have to ask.  I wonder, maybe a question for the Cardiologist, if a calcium channel blocker might help. This drug also lowers blood pressure, may be its main use, but it also "Opens" the circulatory system and thus, I believe, makes it easier for the heart to pump.  Your ejection fraction readings were good on both Echos, I think 65% is in fact VERY good.  So, the Calcium channel blocker may not be of any value, still asking such question may help keep the doctor on his/her toes.  Good luck and keeping optimistic and practicing a healthy heart life style is best for all of us.
Helpful - 0
17020225 tn?1455749597
I went back for another echo this month. The second echo did not show diastolic dysfunction. The efection fraction was 65 Percent and e/a measurement is 1.26. last year the ejection fraction was 55-60 percent and e/a was .82. one other difference on the second echo is that it says there is mild tricuspid regurgitation. Last year it said trace regurgitation.
Helpful - 0
17020225 tn?1455749597
I did go get tested today for thyroid disorders,  and autoimmune diseases.  And some other things the doctor put in the blood tests.  She did tell me that I do not have hypertension.  Today my BP was normal,  but she says sometimes it is low.
Helpful - 0
11548417 tn?1506080564
Its good to read that at least some reason for your discomfort may be found.
Of course anxiety can bean additional factor for the palpitations.

Helpful - 0
17020225 tn?1455749597
The cardiologist really didn't give any information about it.  He didn't seemed at all concerned but did say we will keep an eye on it and made an appointment for 3 months.  I'm not sure what they are planning for that appointment.  I did go get a copy of my echo results this morning and it does say it indicates LV diastolic dysfunction.  
I did quit having any palpitations for about a week and a half but those just started back up today.  I get some squeezing feelings in my chest.  I get short of breath often.  Although I do have anxiety disorder and asthma. So not always sure what is causing my symptoms.  I have had abnormal thyroid results in the past.  And recently had my thyroid checked again.  All my results were within the normal ranges but on the lowest side of normal which I've heart indicates hypothyroidism. I have read that hypothyroidism does cause diastolic dysfunction.  So right now that seems like the only reasonable cause to me.  And the cardiologist did say that the thyroid would cause higher anxiety and palpitations. I have an appointment tomorrow with my family doctor to discuss further checking into the thyroid.
Helpful - 0
11548417 tn?1506080564
I always take the results from echo examinations with a grain of salt. (I have seen very odd things in reports).

But lets assume that the report is right.
There are 3 different grades defined for it (mild, moderate and severe).
The mild grade is commonly observed in older persons and has no real impact on life expectancy.
With 28 years you are of course still very young and certainly not in the category of older persons. Therefore I think you need to monitor it further.
I do not know what your doc means with keeping an eye on it, but I would suggest that you have another echo in a few months again.

And how is your chest discomfort now? Did your doc give a plausible explanation for it?
Helpful - 0
17020225 tn?1455749597
I do not have high blood pressure.  It is generally around 120/80
Helpful - 0
11548417 tn?1506080564
It is called "abnormal left ventricular relaxation".

Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
Minor diastolic dysfunction is most commonly seen in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) and is usually reversible.
Helpful - 0

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