How can the echo results be interpreted if they are normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like you to review my echo test that was performed yesterday. Is it normal for my age? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. Your echocardiography report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) is normal. Chamber sizes and functions are normal. Valves are also normal. Do you have any symptoms? Why ECG (echocardiogram) was done? Is any previous ECG available?

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) levels have good negative predictive value, but the positive predictive value is not as good. It rules out heart failure if negative, but positive does not always mean heart failure. You did a good job of having echocardiography (ECG). Echocardiography is the next test to see if BNP or NT-pro BNP levels are raised. Echocardiography is normal, so there is no need to worry. Regarding PVCs (premature ventricular contractions), these can be normal findings in most healthy people. Other causes are excessive caffeine intake, anxiety, fever, and electrolyte imbalance, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels.

Ischemic heart disease is also a cause, but as your echo is normal and you are fit, it is almost ruled out. If PVCs are frequent and persistent for weeks to months, you should have Holter monitoring to record ECG for 24 hours to count total PVCs in 24 hours. If echocardiography is normal, electrolytes are normal, PVC burden on Holter is not high, and PVCs are still causing bothersome symptoms, then beta-blocker medicines are started to suppress PVCs.

Hope this helps. Thanks and take care.