First Echocardiogram

[celestw]

Hi everyone, i’m 18 years old, and i’m getting my first Echocardiogram tomorrow and i’m really scared, i’m scared for the test and i’m also scared for the results, does anyone have any advice, experience or reassurance !

[lettingoffsteam]

It really isn't anything to worry about, just an ultrasound of your heart so they'll squeeze some jelly on your chest and then the probe will be moved around that area of your body.The results will come in a few weeks I'm afraid.Why are you having this scan.I saw you have high bp as I do.I had one to see if there was any damage after super high blood pressure.

[celestw in reply to lettingoffsteam]

thank you! the doctors told me i needed one just to make sure there’s no damage to my heart since i do have high bp, so it’s a little nerve wracking 😅hopefully results come back positive!

[lettingoffsteam in reply to celestw]

Well it's a good idea to check.How high is your bp then?Mine was an unbelievable 244/133!!Sorted out now I'm on meds.

[celestw in reply to lettingoffsteam]

that’s great to hear the meds worked! mine is about 130/74 and sometimes 140/75, i jus started medication and i’m gonna start exercising in hopes of that helping, high blood pressure runs in my family and everyone has it, and since i had it a really young age they wanna make sure my heart is functioning properly, praying things come back normal 🙏🏽also great news to hear yours is sorted out !

[lettingoffsteam in reply to celestw]

I'm sure you'll be fine.Exercise will help but not heavy lifting.I find walking helps me but as a young person you might find running or other exercise helps.Diet is another thing,especially cutting down on salt. There's great advice about lifestyle changes on the Blood Pressure Association's website.

[celestw in reply to lettingoffsteam]

Thank you!🙏🏽🙏🏽

[springcross]

Hi celest. It's nothing to fear, I've had two although they were probably about 2004 and 2005. I think mine was called a transthoracic cardiogram - it's a machine a bit like an ultra sound machine - they place gel on your chest and move what it called a transducer around on it sending sound waves to your heart and they are bounced back from the heart and the results recorded on the machine, your doctor can have a look at your heart from different angles. It's non-invasive and it doesn't hurt at all. You have to lie on your back and then on your side. My first one was about thirty minutes but the second one wasn't anywhere near as long. There is no discomfort whatsoever unless you don't like lying on your back or side but that's it. Don't be afraid of the results as there may be nothing to be afraid of and you will have wasted all that energy worrying for nothing and don't forget that worry is stress which won't help you, so try to relax as much as you can (easier said than done I know). Good luck, all the best with it. xx

[celestw in reply to springcross]

thanks so much!

[Boberto101]

Nothing to worry about. I felt the exact same when I was diagonised with high BP and got all my scans. The Dr is just checking the current condition of your heart. Your BP readings don’t seem very high but put you in the pre hypertension category for your age. High BP over a long period time can lead to thickening and over development of the heart muscle which can be called left venticualr hypertrophy. A lot of people have this and don’t know and in fact a lot of professional athletes have it but it’s less risk with them due to their overall elite cardiovascular fitness . LVH is generally always reversible when BP comes back under control with medication and the muscle stops overworking with normal blood pressure levels. Your Dr will just check that periodically the heart isnt over working. Look at it as an MOT and peace of mind everything is working as you should. Particularly with your readings you will be fine and getting on medication now is a good call and will prevent any issues as you get older

[springcross in reply to Boberto101]

The results of my echo were leaking mitral valve with mild to moderate regurgitation and LVH also aortic sclerosis. The second one was carried out in about 2005 and I have asked if it should be checked again a couple of times since then but have been told that there is no need.

[Boberto101 in reply to springcross]

That’s interesting springcross. I’m going via private medical insurance and they had no problem with a regular echo as I requested it to track what was mild LVH. Is your treatment on NHS? Mines now pretty much back to normal so don’t anticipate another for a while. I guess if your symptoms free and your vitals are good then your Dr sees no need

[springcross in reply to Boberto101]

Yes, mine was on the NHS. I have asked two or three times over the last several years if that could be the reason why my BP is high and should I have it rechecked, but I have been told each time that it doesn't warrant it and not to worry.

[Maximonkey]

Hi, don't be scared. I have had a least 6 of these and they are quick and not uncomfortable. I was scared rigid the first couple of times but fortunately the results were good. Try and think of there is something wrong at least the doctors will help me and if all is well then I worried for nothing. Good luck Maximonkey