Discrepancy in Echocardiogram Readings: EF Rate vs. EDV/ESV
I am a 36-year-old male who recently had an echocardiogram and treadmill test (TMT) as a precautionary step to evaluate my cardiac health. Upon reviewing my results, everything appears to be within normal limits at first glance; however, I've noticed a discrepancy with my ejection fraction (EF) rate, calculated using end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), which does not align with the figure presented in my report. Additionally, I have been experiencing a mild, dull pain in my chest, along with discomfort in my upper arms and at times in my jaw. My C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are elevated at 10.2, which I suspect is due to some bleeding gums, although other blood test results came back normal. To manage my anxiety, I typically take propranolol at a dosage of 20 mg, but I completed the tests without taking my medication. I would appreciate any insights or feedback regarding my situation.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 3:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to have concerns regarding the discrepancies in your echocardiogram results and your symptoms. Here’s a structured approach to address your situation.
Main Points:
- Discrepancies in ejection fraction (EF) readings can be common and may not reflect immediate concerns if other aspects of your heart health are normal.
- Chest pains accompanied by discomfort in the arms and jaw warrant careful monitoring and may indicate underlying issues.
- Elevated CRP levels can be a sign of inflammation, which could correlate with your other symptoms.
Explanation:
Ejection fraction is a measure of how well your heart pumps blood, calculated using end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV). If the EF calculated from your values does not match the report, it might result from measurement or interpretation variation, which is relatively common. However, it's essential to ensure accurate readings and understand the clinical significance behind them.
Your mild chest pain and discomfort could be related to various factors, including gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, or even musculoskeletal pain. However, considering your symptoms, it’s wise to remain vigilant regarding your cardiac health. Elevated CRP levels may indicate inflammation, which could stem from various causes, including infection or, as you mentioned, from your bleeding gums. It's beneficial to address your gum health as well, as oral inflammation can impact overall health.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your chest pain episodes—note when they occur, duration, intensity, and any associated factors (like physical activity or stress).
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Manage Anxiety: If you felt comfortable, consider resuming your propranolol dosage regularly, as prescribed, to help manage anxiety, especially given your symptoms. Please follow your doctor's advice on medication usage.
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Address Oral Health: Schedule a dental check-up to investigate and treat any issues with your gums. This could help lower your CRP levels.
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Follow-up: If your chest pain worsens, occurs more frequently, or if you experience any additional symptoms like shortness of breath, please seek immediate medical attention.
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Clarify Test Results: Reach out to your healthcare provider for clarification regarding the echocardiogram discrepancies—discussion of your EF values and overall interpretation can reduce anxiety and provide clarity.
By taking these steps, you can effectively manage your concerns, ensuring you’re on top of your heart health while addressing other areas such as anxiety and oral health. Let me know if you need any more specific information, or if there’s anything else you would like to discuss!
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