Submitted by Dr T on November 19, 2010 – 9:24am
I have had several questions like this. It seems some of these studies are performed without interpretation by an expert. Reports like this are meant to be interpreted by experts who can then explain the results and counsel treatment. The details are often unnecessary.
This is yet another example.
“Mild septal hypertrophy noted” and “mild LV diastolic dysfunction” on your ECHO is most likely the result of high blood pressure (hypertension). If left untreated, it may ultimately cause heart failure and other complications.
As a physician, I would tell a patient with hypertension the cardiac ECHO is essentially normal, but that there are some minor changes that indicate he or she needs (further) treatment. If the heart valves were functioning normally, I would also look into into another reason for future heart failure, such as the main cause , coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
With all tests done, the next step would be to initiate treatment and counsel lifestyle changes, such as diet & exercise, weight loss, cessation of smoking etc.
For those who need detailed explanations, I’d schedule a separate appointment, or better yet, refer them to my website where all this information is already available:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/heart-function-failure/
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/what-causes-heart-failure/
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/how-do-you-diagnose-heart-failure/
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/what-is-the-treatment-for-heart-failure/
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/heart-failure
https://www.cardiachealth.org/app/risk-assessment.php
As you can see, there is plenty to do besides explaining a single test result!
Hope this helps,
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