what does preserved systolic function mean?

[Joliesse]

I have been diagnosed with AFib and recently had an echocardiogram. I have received a letter from the Consultant stating that he is pleased to report that the ‘left ventricle is normal in size with preserved systolic function’. What does preserved systolic function mean? I have tried to Google this but keep getting references relating to heart failure - which I have not been previously diagnosed with. Trying to get answers from GP/Consultant but as usual, having to wait for a response. Obviously, I am extremely concerned and wondered if anyone understands exactly what this means?

[Yumz199725]

I totally understand why you would be concerned they word in a way that sends alarm bells ringing for some reason! My hospital letters always says that aswell, I will try and add a picture of my hospital letter, like you I'm not sure what it means and when I looked it up I got the exact same information which made me panic aswell. Have you got another appointment coming up that you could ask them to explain what preserved systolic function means. X

[Joliesse in reply to Yumz199725]

Thanks for your response. The good news is that I have now managed to get confirmation that ‘preserved systolic function’ effectively means that everything is working as it should. I don’t know why they don’t just verbalise that in plain language in the report! Also shows how Dr Google can confuse matters! Many thanks, hope you get the answers you need too.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Joliesse]

That's great where did you find that out! Google definitely confuses everything and yep I agree why can't they just say everything is normal and working as it should. I was starting to worry aswell 😅. Take care x 🤗

[Joliesse in reply to Yumz199725]

I didn’t realise until today that as part of an insurance scheme through work, we have access to a GP24 phone line. I gave them a call and spoke to an excellent doctor who talked me through it and provided the reassurance I needed. He agreed that the reports need to be clearer, particularly in relation to conclusions. Thanks again.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Joliesse]

That's so good I wish I had that kind of access x

[Yumz199725]

I'm not sure if this will explain anything but just wanted to assure you your not the only one x

Explaining echo results.

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

huh is that bi-ventricle EF 59%? It’s all a different language x

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

Yeah I know what you mean I'm not even sure what that means lol x both ventricles maybe?

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

Maybe both. I still have problems remembering the names of the chambers of the heart. All I can think about is Bi- ventricular pacemaker as 3 leads. When you go next time take it and get them to translate. That’s what I did on Friday. Underlined what I wanted to know showed it to him and asked what it means.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

I never thought of asking, 😅😂. But will definitely get them to translate it into English x

[Joliesse in reply to Deejay62]

Definitely is. If they are giving out those results, they need to explain them in laymen’s terms that we can all understand.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Joliesse]

Yeah totally agree! 💯%

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

I think they forget they’re not talking to their colleagues but to us mare mortals😀

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

Yeah so true, they send to gp so they forget we don't have the slightest clue on how to read it which only makes me worry and Google everything! 📖😕

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

Exactly and Google makes it worse. You’re then so stressed until you see them again, then usually you forget. But this time I had it in my bag for 9 months. I wasn’t going to forget. When I handed it to him it was all creased and almost falling apart😀. My new report as “heart sounds were pure with a soft pansystolic murmur at the left sternal edge”. What?? 😂. That’s going in my hand bag for 6 months😀

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

Yeah that's a good idea I have mine on 21st and I'm so putting it in my bag so I don't forget and I'm taking a notepad so I can write down everything! I agree Google makes it sooo much worse! Your murmur sounds like something out of a medical book lol. I have holo something murmur lol I don't even know the name 😅. x

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

Yes notepad and report. I just think it’s another thing added to this old heart of mine which is falling apart slowly.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

Yeah I don't know why I never did last time I hope a remember at my appointment mind goes blank so rubbish and explaining myself honestly 😂😭. Ahh I looked it up don't know if it's anything to go by because of ( Dr Google) 😂. It says a pansystolic murmur is tricuspid and mitral valve leaking??. Like I said wouldn't read to much into it. Wish there was a website that you can actually go by and belive what it says lol.

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

If you had someone to go with you that would help. I’m rubbish at explaining myself too. Underline it now and put them in your bag. If they waffle on just say sorry I can’t concentrate until I find out what this means. Show it to them then ask if you can take some notes. I know that’s a lot. The explanation might be enough to reassure you. I notice years ago mitral valve something was mentioned on my notes. Like I said something else.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

My brother is going with me but hes just there for moral support really I'm his carer so he cant really remember much. So I will definitely take a notepad and ask them to explain what I don't understand x sometimes they explain and it makes it worse lol. Yeah maybe you have got something with wrong with your mitral valve but only slightly so it's not of any concern, I have about 2 or 3 leaky valves but only one is of any concern the aortic valve severe aortic regurgitation and moderate stenosis. Hope your keeping aswell as possible! x

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

Ahh bless him. At least he’s company for you. Severe always sounds bad. You’re being treated for it so that’s good and they’re keeping an eye on the others. You’re still young I’m sure they will look after you well as they discover more. Keep fighting you will become confident to ask questions. Even if you don’t really understand at least you’re showing an interest in your health, and getting rid of some of that anxiety that builds up when you feel powerless. I think mine is possibly caused by all the other things that’s going on.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Deejay62]

Yeah he's great company at hospital appointments he comes to every single one aw. Yeah it's good there keeping an eye on me I have a feeling surgery is getting closer though! I will ask how many years until I need it. That's true thanks for all your advice x. It's very overwhelming going to those appointments especially being there on your own!!

[Deejay62 in reply to Yumz199725]

They will probably tell you how soon. If they don’t ask them. You’re young so whatever they decide you will be ok x

[Ennasti]

My doctor explained it as ‘preserved’ means in good condition and ‘systolic function’ is when the heart is contracting so it’s a good contraction of the heart.

[Joliesse]

Thanks, I think you are right. The replies I have had are much appreciated but very much highlight the need for consultants/ doctors to speak in plain language so that we all fully understand the position/implications. We should never be left in position of uncertainty which then breeds stress and anxiety.

Deejay/Yum - try to stay strong and positive, I really hope things work out well for you both.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Joliesse]

❤️

[Deejay62 in reply to Joliesse]

And for you hon. Just come on here like Yumz does, when you need encouragement. But always remember to speak to your medics if you have questions, when you see them x