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I Recently Had An Echo Cardiogram. My Ejection Factor Was 65% And I Have Mild Aortic Stenosis Is A Leak And Stenosis The Same Thing? Is This Anything To Worry About?
Question: Yes, I recently had an echo cardiogram. My ejection factor was 65%, but I have mild aortic stenosis. I am 73 and in good health. I also had an echo in 2013, 2015.
In 2013, I was told my aortic valve had a tiny leak. The cardiologist I this year saw called and said no change from both previous echos, but my GP told me that I have mild aortic stenosis upon viewing the report...is a leak and stenosis the same thing? Is this anything to worry about?
In 2013, I was told my aortic valve had a tiny leak. The cardiologist I this year saw called and said no change from both previous echos, but my GP told me that I have mild aortic stenosis upon viewing the report...is a leak and stenosis the same thing? Is this anything to worry about?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I understand your concern and explain that a valve leak means that a certain amount of blood is flowing back due to imperfect closure of the valve.
From the other side, a valve stenosis is identified when there is a certain narrowing that imposes some degree of resistance for blood to flow forward when the valve opens.
So practically speaking they are two distinct entities, which may not rarely co-exist in the same patient.
Nevertheless, whichever be the truth (the tiny leak declared by your cardiologist or valve stenosis confirmed by your GP) you shouldn't worry too much about as far as they are considered mild, without any clinical relevance.
Thy may not limit your daily activity or worsen the overall prognosis.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I understand your concern and explain that a valve leak means that a certain amount of blood is flowing back due to imperfect closure of the valve.
From the other side, a valve stenosis is identified when there is a certain narrowing that imposes some degree of resistance for blood to flow forward when the valve opens.
So practically speaking they are two distinct entities, which may not rarely co-exist in the same patient.
Nevertheless, whichever be the truth (the tiny leak declared by your cardiologist or valve stenosis confirmed by your GP) you shouldn't worry too much about as far as they are considered mild, without any clinical relevance.
Thy may not limit your daily activity or worsen the overall prognosis.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So, since the cardiologist stated that there was no change in my three echos, the GP may have interpreted the results in error. Can the tiny leak be caused by the stenosis? Also, can the condition stabilize, or will I be forced to have a valve replacement some time?
My NIC in a previous conversation with you has stabilized by the way according to my neurologist...and my ascending aorta dilitation has also stabilized at 40 mm.
So, hopefully my aortic valve condition will also stabilize....no change in 5 years which is good.
My NIC in a previous conversation with you has stabilized by the way according to my neurologist...and my ascending aorta dilitation has also stabilized at 40 mm.
So, hopefully my aortic valve condition will also stabilize....no change in 5 years which is good.
My degenerative disc disease has also stabilized...my spondylolisthesis is mild as is the L% disc pressing on a nerve root.
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
In fact I am more prone to believe a cardiologist regarding interpretation of any cardiac issues.
Considering your age, I don't believe that a tiny valve leakage (regurgitation) will become a serious problem for the next 30 years, such as to require valve surgery.
Generally speaking, I would explain that with aging the human aortic valve tends to become more fibrous, sclerotic and even calcified contributing such way to the development of some degree of both stenosis and valve leak.
Nevertheless, in your case the process of valve degeneration seems to be mild and actually not an issue of big concern.
It is important to continue following your actual treatment (regarding high blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profile, avoid close smoking contact, etc.) as it will help further in slowing any possible progression.
Wishing you all the best!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
In fact I am more prone to believe a cardiologist regarding interpretation of any cardiac issues.
Considering your age, I don't believe that a tiny valve leakage (regurgitation) will become a serious problem for the next 30 years, such as to require valve surgery.
Generally speaking, I would explain that with aging the human aortic valve tends to become more fibrous, sclerotic and even calcified contributing such way to the development of some degree of both stenosis and valve leak.
Nevertheless, in your case the process of valve degeneration seems to be mild and actually not an issue of big concern.
It is important to continue following your actual treatment (regarding high blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profile, avoid close smoking contact, etc.) as it will help further in slowing any possible progression.
Wishing you all the best!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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