Echo cardiograms to dx MVP

[jad2]

Are these tests accurate in dx mitral valve prolapse...ie) extent of the leakage, condition of the valve etc... and when can the patient tell that their symptoms..flutter etc are becoming worse and should seek agressive medical tx. especially in women who are more often than not brushed off when they c/o sob, svt's ???

Thanks.

[Dinith88]

Are these tests accurate in dx mitral valve prolapse...ie) extent of the leakage, condition of the valve etc... and when can the patient tell that their symptoms..flutter etc are becoming worse and should seek agressive medical tx. especially in women who are more often than not brushed off when they c/o sob, svt's ???

Thanks.

Yes, Echo's can certainly diagnos mitral valve problems. If you're experiencing mitral regurge (ie from a prolapsed valve), an echo can directly visualize it. The numbers/arithmatic(sp?) used to 'quantify' the extent of the prolapse is the realm of echo-techs and interpreting cardiologists...but is usually stated as 'mild, severe, trace, etc.' rather than given a 'value'.

As far as the second part of your question...i dont really understand the gist of it. A person's symptoms are 'subjective' and not something that a test can determine. If a person is feeling 'worse' or more intense symproms then yes a visit to the doc is in order....

[hael171972]

im an echo tech, an rn by profession here in the philippines..

i would say yes..echocardiogram is definitely an accurate test in diagnosing mvp...you can see the severity of the prolapse and the mr, if the valve is thickened, or showing any doming motion, etc..echocardiogram has the same principles as the diagnostic ultrasound and thats why when we are explaining to the patient the procedure instead of using the word "echocardiogram", we use the word "cardiac ultrasound"...

good day!

are these tests accurate in dx mitral valve prolapse...ie) extent of the leakage, condition of the valve etc... and when can the patient tell that their symptoms..flutter etc are becoming worse and should seek agressive medical tx. especially in women who are more often than not brushed off when they c/o sob, svt's ???

thanks.

[pghfoxfan]

TEE's may give you the best view. (Transesophageal echo)