Echo findings

[Rhiannonimity1]

Whilst in hospital with fast AF I was given an echocardiogram. This was my first echo in AF. I have an echo every 6 months and the last one was normal except for dilated LA which they said was down to my weight.

On top of dilated LA, this echo showed mild tricuspid regurgitation and borderline LSVF of 50-54%.

My main question is has this happened because I was in AF and would it show the same results in SR. Also I’m concerned about the mild tricuspid regurgitation. I read up about it and it seems to be an irreversible pathway to worse tricuspid valve problems - is this right? Will any of this affect my eligibility for ablation?

Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Doubtful it would affect ablation. Please understand that these reports are highly subjective and subject to the opinions of th operator. What is mild to one may be trace to another so I wouldn't worry too much at this stage. Being in AF should not materially affect results although by the nature of the beast if may slightly reduce ejection fraction.

[Desanthony in reply to BobD]

I would talk this over with your EP. As it is the technician who has written this report and your EP needs to see it and read it. So next time you meet ask him.

[CDreamer]

Re: Tricuspid valve - my 87 year old husband had diptheria as a child and has had Mitral regurgitation ever since. It hasn’t gotten any worse and never a suggestion that he needed a valve replacement. It’s unlikely that the AF would have been the cause.

[Walkingballer]

I had an echo with a high hr (105)… it read I had heart failure due to ejection fraction of 20-40. Had a cardioversion and a cardiac MRI two months later… completely clear … cardiologist said if he is high echocardiogram can give false readings.. but I’m not a Dr

[Walkingballer]

Obviously not if he was high but hr ha ha

[Rhiannonimity1 in reply to Walkingballer]

That provided a giggle in an otherwise bleak day!