Echocardiogram Result

[mazzywoo]

Hi everyone (especially Sqad if he is about). I have just had my copy of the results of an echocardiogram. (I have atrial fibrillation). I am deliberately not googling any of it because I know it will scare me. I am just wondering if anyone knows what could be going on inside my 'ticker'. Quote from the letter '...I note that her sinus of of Valsalva (proximal aorta) is a little dilated at 4.3 cm. In addition, her aortic valve leaflets are slightly fused giving a slight bicuspid appearance to the aortic valve. Fortunately, this is not causing any stenosis or other valve problem'
Any clues would be helpful. I am still awaiting results of a 24 hour cardiac rhythm monitoring.
Many thanks, Maz xx

[Sqad]

Many causes of atrial fibrillation (heart beating irregularly)but reading your post, then your AF is due to aortic valve disease, seemingly not too bad.
40 years ago, the commonest cause would have either have been syphilis or the results of rheumatic fever, but today, the commonest cause by far, is old age, ageing arteries.

From what you have typed, that is not too bad for an ECG report....;-)

There is no mention of ischaemia (damaged heart muscle ) or enlargement, of any of the chambers of the heart, so.......well done.......it could have been worse, much worse.

Tablets will sort you out.

[Sqad]

Off to my Club now, so will be away for a couple of hours.

[mazzywoo]

Thank you SO much Sqad. I can't talk it through with my GP 'til tomorrow as she's on leave, so your reply set my mind at rest! The ending of the letter said that my consultant means to keep my aorta under 'occasional review'. I wonder if he may be watching out for an aneurism? You mentioned that it can be controlled by medication-I am already taking Bisoprolol 2.5 mg daily and have been threatened with a novel anticoagulant so I guess that's the sort of tablets you mean?
I hope you had a good time at your club :)
Maz xx

[Sqad]

I'm back!
"I wonder if he may be watching out for an aneurism?"

Yes, but more importantly to see if that aortic valve is leaking to such an extent that the heart (left ventricle) is becoming enlarged and that you are getting ankle swelling and shortness of breath, in which case a valve replacement will be considered.

This is 5-10 years down the line...if at all.

[mazzywoo]

Thanks again Oh Wise One. Yet again, you have helped by being the voice of reason ;)
I will keep you updated when I have talked to my GP/got the results of the 24 hour monitor.
Best wishes-and Happy New Year,
Maz x

[Sqad]

LOL...same to you mazzy.