What does my abnormal echocardiogram result indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old female with abnormal echocardiogram results and a strong family history of heart attacks and heart-related deaths. I need help understanding what my echocardiogram findings mean and whether they put me at increased risk. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

Based on the report (attachment, removed to protect the identity of the patient), the main finding is an interatrial septal aneurysm with a shunt, which likely means a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a small atrial septal defect (ASD). This is an opening between the right and left upper chambers of the heart that allows blood to pass between them. It was confirmed by the bubble study.

The rest of the heart looks normal. Heart size, valves, and pumping strength are all reassuring. A small PFO is common and often harmless. However, because you have a family history of heart attacks and symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath, this finding needs further evaluation. A shunt can slightly increase the risk of a blood clot crossing to the brain, especially in people with migraines with aura or past stroke-like symptoms.

Follow-up with a cardiologist, preferably one who treats structural or congenital heart conditions, is strongly recommended.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.