Making sense of your echo report

This video is about Making sense of your echo report
Lets go through the information that the report will contain - When you have an echo you will also have a single lead ECG done at the same time and this is to allow the tallying of mechanical activity with electrical activity so usually the first thing on the echo report will be some mention of the heart rhythm and rate on the ECG during the scan.
Next: The left atrium: this structure is the left atrium and what we have started realising is that the left atrium gives you great insight into your overall heart health. Healthy hearts usually have normal sized left atria. What is normal? About 4 cm across. What does it mean if the left atrium is enlarged…usually it means that the heart is having to work harder than it needs to. Also patients who have AF will have larger left atria.Is it dangerous - no not at all but it does mean that you just need to work out why the heart is working harder and manage accordingly.
The next structure is the Mitral valve. This is this valve here. Now most normal valves are described as being thin and mobile. if the valve is described as being thickened, calcified and restricted then that tells you the valve is structurally abnormal. Either it has been subjected to wear and tear from old age or it has been damaged due to an infection such as rheumatic fever. Functionally valves can still be normal or they can be thickened to the point that they are narrowed and impede blood from passing through in which case they are described as being stenosed or stenosis.
The left ventricle. This is the most important chamber of the heart because it is responsible for pumping blood to the whole of the body and patients who have a weak left ventricle have a much worse prognosis than patients who dont.
So the echo will firstly comment on the size of the left ventricle. Normal size is dependant on body surface area but in general you want the left ventricle at its widest to be no more than 5.5 cm in women and 6 cm across in men. if the ventricle looks bigger than that then you worry that it is being stretched either because of a leaky valve or because it was damaged in some way. The problem is the more it stretches the more likely it is to lose its stretchability in the long run and therefore it can weaken.
So there will be some comment on the echo report on the size of the ventricle. As long as it is not dilated you can feel very comfortable and reassured. The second thing is a mention of something called regional wall motion abnormality. Different parts of the left ventricle receive blood from different blood vessels and therefore if a patient has had a heart attack because one of the blood vessels has blocked, then that part of heart muscle will die and therefore not contract normally whereas the other normal parts will and this is described as a regional wall motion abnormality. So if you have no regional wall motion abnormality then you dont have any substantial damage or scar in your heart.
There will also be a mention of function of the heart… how much blood does it pump to with every beat and this is called the ejection fraction. This is a very crude indicator which is usually visually assessed and the normal value is about 60%. if the heart is not pumping out as much blood as you would expect, it is described as left ventricular impairment. Mild left ventricular impairment is if the ejection fraction is 45-55%, moderate is 35-45% and severe is less than 35%. Now many people get very worried because they may have had 2 echo and they say well last time it was described as 62% and now it is 58% - does this mean that it has gotten worse and the answer is definitely not… the ejection fraction is a very crude measure and variations of 5-10% are completely acceptable.
Finally there will be a mention of the thickness of the walls of the feft ventricle. These should usually be no more than 12mm thick and if they are thicker than that it means that either the heart is working harder than it should (high blood pressure) or there is some form of muscle disease which has caused the heart muscle to be thicker than you’d expect and thickened walls are described as left ventricular hypertrophy. if one wall is thickened it is described as asymmetrical and if all walls are thicked it is described as concentric or symmetrical

[@IlIKRATOSIlI]

I bet health anxiety would go down by 100% if people had doctors like you.

[@AlexHuerta]

So true man!

[@annawarner1078]

Fully agree....

[@Infoshareindia]

100 percent true

[@harleyjames5002]

Thank You soooo much!!!🙏💕

[@iseiwasabalavu309]

I've had echo and they mentioned about AF

[@medini2]

I am coming here to help read my Echo because my cardiologist has ZERO time for me. I cannot believe it took me this long to find your channel. REally helpful and I have shared and will continue to share. Thank you so much.

[@auntiimandii]

No doctors seem interested in anything or anyone at all anymore.

[@AgeofColossus]

Realised that this video’s been up for 4 years, it must have benefitted tons of people. It’s heartbreaking to see you affected by the viewership rates. Please don’t feel distraught for the lack of subscribers, you are doing so much good via your channel. Please keep doing what you’re doing. Cheers mate.

[@efranco2268]

Colossus is correct. I think people now only want superficial information - 1 minute or less. It’s sad that there are only so few of us that value a real explanation. Attention spans have become tiny. This is why TikTok is popular. I most definitely appreciate this channel! Excellent content.

[@AhamadNaina]

great flow of information

[@toyintoyotacamry]

You have reduced my anxiety levels by 60%. God bless you Dr Gupta. You are a gift to our generation.

[@chairlesnicol672]

What happened about the other 40% ? Are u saying he ought to talk that much longer in his vlogs ?

[@seza7900]

wow I can't imagine any idiot putting a thumbs down on this Doctor, except a true beligerant ass. This Man is absolutely fantastic in his explantions and I for one would like to thank him for his time and knowledge and caring. Thank you Doctor.

[@stevewilliams5130]

There's always a few knuckleheads out there !😁

[@dorothybrown8859]

It's probably another doctor who doesn't appreciate sharing with patients.

[@rawlivingwithdisabilities]

😂😂😂 yes ​@@dorothybrown8859

[@paulfasse8032]

Other cardiologists should take a page or two out of Dr. Gupta book. He clearly knows the heart and explains it so well. Has a calming way of expression in regard to one's heart. ❤️ this physician. Sincerely Paul J. Fasse a fellow open heart (genetic disease) survivor.

[@lelabowden2897]

Paul Fasse $

[@agneshannon9296]

Circumflx

[@annchesher9891]

Agree

[@pabloblanco2656]

I couldn't agree more

[@philrogers9147]

I am totally blown away by the in depth description you have provided. After my echocardiogram I received tons of data that meant nothing to me because I didn't know what each variable meant. I know doctors are busy but something as important as your heart should rate a longer discussion or at least a summary of what the results means. Thank you so much for explaining in such clear language what these results mean. I feel much better about about the test results and actually now I know what the results mean. You are doing a fantastic job. Thank you so much.

[@heiditaylor5395]

Woah, this and part two gave such a clear understanding of heart problems. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Good teachers are in short supply.

[@raemas2568]

Im a newly qualified nurse and i work in a cardiac cath lab and your videos are very helpful .Thank you

[@YorkCardiology]

thank you!

[@paulwalker797]

It's great that you trust the intelligence of the patients and help them to understand their results. It is a rare thing. You are an excellent Doctor.

[@annawarner1078]

I fully agree. Before having Stress Echo test couple days ago, I viewed dr. Gupta videos and that helped me to understand what is going on. Incidentally, my outcomes were good and I'm no longer slated for ablation. Hurray!

[@SasSaga]

I am an echocardiographer. You taught me a few things! Excellent video! Thank you!

[@rachelreed68]

I consult your channel ALL THE TIME. I have only 10 minutes with my cardiologist, 20 on a good day, which barely scratches the surface. You have filled in a lot of gaps and set my mind at ease often. Any doc who tries to scold for patients googling info should refer them to your channel and play it in their waiting rooms!

[@ltpdogtrainingNJ]

Yes! Great comment!

[@dorothybrown8859]

Mine didn't scold, but was cynical. For some reason he doesn't explain anything, but does not appreciate one who looks for answers on their own. My test results are apparently secret, but I am thankful for MyChart where I can get a copy of my tests results. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is so appreciated! Thank you doctor for caring.

[@chrisryan987654321]

You are doing a great service. Thank you so much

[@jackwilliamsen551]

Just what I needed. Thank you, Sanjay!

[@kerirhinehart6346]

You are amazing and I feel so blessed to have found your channel. Thank you !!

[@indigrl6]

Thank you for taking the time to breakdown such complex concepts! Your explanations are easy to follow and incredibly helpful!

[@virginiagorski1932]

This was just a super explanation of the left side of the heart! Thank you so much.

[@SoSofties]

Thank you! I was able to understand my report easily after watching this!

[@michaelkryszak5262]

5 years later, still great info! Thanks for doing what you do. Subscribed!

[@satishrai5022]

What a down to earth guy and explains it all in a very easy to understand manner. Well done and thank you

[@CMarie_B]

Thank you for taking the time to educate us, in a way that is detailed, yet easy to comprehend. I certainly learned a lot. You have a good, positive delivery !

[@balajiramanan2114]

Many thanks to you sir for putting such a vital information in public domain. Great treasure to see few non-commercial people like you, who take time in explaining things as it is, without creating a sense of panic.

[@tonym6920]

I thank God for doctors like you sir, I wish you were my doctor. May God bless you and your love for helping people!

[@ORego-em8yf]

Walkin’ Man , I agree completely

[@sandrinejonckheere9001]

Dear doc, your humaneness is amazing.love and regards

[@MrPwede-qq7oj]

God bless you.

[@olivia6063]

Thank you Dr. My heart issues goes down listening to you.

[@SuperGuanine]

@@olivia6063 👒

[@youlearntoearn]

Thank you for this excellent presentation. It is much appreciated.

[@lynambrose334]

Extremely clear and helpful. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@xbsmalesx]

Thank you for your time on thorough and informative videos!

[@jamesfitzsimmons2392]

Thanks for the lectures on reading echocardiograms...it was so easy to follow your notes and compare with the written notes.

[@hdskl2150]

I’ve sat through countless echos. This is so helpful.

[@carolbenson6524]

Oh my...thank God I just ran across this video because I'm scheduled for this test early tomorrow morning. Your video has helped me a lot. Thank you.

[@dennisparks630]

Excellent explanation of Echo results. I truly appreciate your sharing this information.

[@andreawilliams4329]

Thank you so much for this informative video. My husband and I watched it shortly before his echo a few days ago. It gave us a better understanding of the measurements being taking and the comments passed between the technician and the cardiologist. We will watch it again when we receive the results. It is so good of you to give of your time to educate not just your own patients but anyone suffering from heart problems. God bless you.

[@thelmabarrera7287]

Very informative, makes it easier to understand what's on paper, thank you

[@Cincy3]

Your channel is where I come when I need a clear explanation of cardiac function. Thx

[@amae54]

Wow! Lots of good information explained in a way the patient can understand. Thank You, Doctor.

[@teresameyer771]

Thank you for all you do in helping nurses build their practice. This is a wealth of information. Thank you again Docotor.

[@celiabradley5189]

Many thanks for all your videos and taking time to explain. It really helped me to understand the complexity of my abnormal echo results.with moderate leaky mitral valve etc. will continue to follow you.

[@myfanwyjones8129]

You're amazing and so kind for doing this for us all!! We've all learned so much by your videos ❤️

[@pattayapimp]

you are so good , thank you for helping me understand my report you covered everything and explained with such clear egoless and helpful kind of way , thank you

[@sierrarotorcraftclub]

I just had an echo report and of course my heart doctor didn't say much about it other than it looked ok. I want to thank you for going into depth on how to read my echo report. Now I understand it and can sleep much better now.

[@raven19415]

Thank You ! I will be having an echo next week and this provided much needed information. Your Vlogs are very beneficial and informative.

[@anitadevos3704]

Very helpful, I wish my cardiologist would explain it as well as you have. Thank you for making this video.

[@michaelgoodman4825]

Thank you for taking the time to help in our understanding of an EchoCardio test. Well done and most informative. I just received my test results (which were all good) and you answered my questions. Thank you again!

[@sulsaleh]

6 years later and I find your videos very informative. Thanks so much doc!!

[@yvonnewheeler2602]

Love him! He explains more to me then my doctors. ♡

[@avrilhassan8771]

Thank you so much for this clear, concise explanation of the echo report. You have such a pleasant way of explaining things.

[@joebloggs3893]

U r really helping to let people understand their problems better. The nhs has got a good doc in u

[@1MogJon]

Thank you so much, Dr Gupta. I've just had a letter with my echo results and this video helped me to understand it, whereas I would have stumped. Please keep up with this vital flow of information. In these times with so much strain (in the UK) on doctor's appointments and very long waiting times for hospital appointments, your videos are a vital source of information to reassure people. Again, thank you so much.

[@peacegirl1215]

Thank you for making cardiology something the layman can understand. I wish you could be my cardiologist! You are the best of the best because you are so kind! God bless you and your work!! ❤️

[@anpsinhasinha8499]

The best video I've seen so far on the subject. All my anxiety are gone. I wish you a brighter future

[@Kiwi403]

What an excellent teaching session, thank you so much. I have had a CABG and other heart problems this last eighteen months and wanted so much to learn more about it. Atlast, a doctor who can explain clearly. Why can't they all be like this! I've subscribed.

[@georgegraham3417]

Thank you Dr Gupta, your explanation of the heart echo cardiogram result is very clear. I've learned a lot, keep up the good work.

[@RoyPayne-ve8ye]

Absolutely brilliant and crystal clear. Thank you so much.

[@sohailchaudry2240]

PS I subscribed to your wonderful videos. I have a medical background and have many physicians in my family. You are excellent and a credit to your profession. I think you have a real gift in explaining the various intricacies of heart disease. I had an MI (LAD Stent) about 9 weeks ago which led me to your VLOG. Keep up your excellent work.

[@M00159]

Thank you SO much for breaking this down and helping us make sense of the report. Not many videos cover the report, and it's definitely a source of anxiety and confusion for the patient...so, thank you!! And thank you for your knowledge, expertise, ability to put all of this technical jargon into laymen's terms. .And, most importantly, thank you for taking the time to do this for us!!! I'm sure your time is limited and I appreciate you giving of it and yourself in helping us.to understand the results of the test. As far as your viewership, no worries. Don't let that discourage you or deter you from making these videos. Sometimes people don't have the ability or patience to sit through listening to anything technical. Maybe that's why a lot of people don't bother reading through an instruction manual...unless they run into trouble during assembly and then are forced to refer to the manual. My point is, there are also people who DO want to know the nuts and bolts of things, especially those who have to have tests, and are worried about their health...especially when it involves their heart. So, please don't get discouraged. We need you and your videos!! Thanks Again!! ❤

[@nelllugo2276]

Great info. Your easy going manners helps me learn and want to know more about it. Thanks wonderful Doctor.

[@apacur]

Thank.you for spreading such heartfelt knowledge out to the general public... you're generating positive karmic happenings by doing this.

[@aparnaa7814]

It is a delight to listen to Dr SG. Explains so well! Makes a huge difference to the patients and their families. And also ensures better compliance from patients because of better understanding of their situation.🙏🙏

[@pattimiskell5401]

Thank you so much!!! This video was so informational! I really appreciate your time and efforts!

[@normanclark4282]

Learnt a lot about the heart.....thanks for your energy on this.....

[@braddinsmore3670]

Thanks so much. I have used your videos often while awaiting a follow-up with my cardiologist

[@sandrabrisbane930]

Thank you Dr. Gupta! You are a wonderful doctor and a gem for sharing..many blessings to you and yours!!

[@hereignshereigns2340]

You are a real blessing! With a heartblock powered by a biventricular pacemaker, I find your highly informative videos very reassuring! God bless you!

[@davidmangalasinghe4002]

Thank you very much for the description of the echo tests.

[@viviandegrave2826]

You always present an excellent format of information not only for a patient but for retired medical professionals as well.God bless.

[@shiufonhwang]

Dr. Gupta, you are a great elucidator of heart. I ‘m so excited to find your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your invaluable expertise to the general public.

[@GIZMO3380]

Very clear, concise and well explained. After i get the report from my cardiologist it is just a report and I have no clue what the report meant. After this video, it is so clear and it is like whooh now I know. Thank you

[@kaylee6384]

I wish a few docs were like you......simple, yet very detailed......so appreciate your videos. Presently awaiting an eco, a sonogram n more. Knowledge gained while waiting.

[@stevewaian6432]

Steve W.; Thank you very informative as to what the doctor looks for in your echocardiogram,

[@robertagabor3736]

Thank you so much for your very thorough explanation of what an echocardiogram reveals. I have had several and no one ever went over them with me. they just said it was OK, no change since the last one. So, I'm very grateful to you for your very informative video.

[@marilynmarilyn747]

I’m my Fathers Lvad care parterre, your videos sir are priceless! Thank you so very much

[@rebeccaowusu8999]

We thank God for your life and and also we wish your dad a speedly recovery

[@ruechel]

I am so grateful for you putting out this information which just put me at ease in a MAJOR way. If you were here, I'd hug you. Thank you so very much for doing what you do. If there was ever good Karma, this is certainly it. I am filled with gratitude, Dr. Gupta!

[@aliciasidar]

Thank you so much for taking out your time to share this important information with us. Your explanation was very clear and easy to follow. However, I now have anxiety because most of the things on my report states moderate. However, I am glad that I do understand the severity of my heart health and therefore this will help motivate me to take better care of my health.

[@johnbasil7882]

As I watch this video as well as part 2 regarding the right side of the heart I had the results of my uncle before me. I was told the echo was excellent my injection fraction rate is 65-69%. You're absolutely brilliant. You remove my anxieties. I studied my echo. My cardiologist that I had for 9 years passed away his name was dr. Mohammed Latif, he had practice on of Winter Park Florida. My new cardiologist I'm still trying to get comfortable with. I found you during my learning stages after my inferior heart attack. It changed my life and gave me great anxieties. Your videos are where I want to learn and I found calmness. Thank you for all you do

[@user-qg6jc8tf8u]

Thank you. I am scheduled for an echo next week, and I appreciate the explanations.

[@ContraryMary]

You are so helpful. Thank you. I have heard many complaints of numbers going down on KZbin. Tell your watchers that commenting, even with a word or two, and liking help to recommend you on YT.

[@kathyminassian1375]

No words, you are amazing. Come to Australia. 🇦🇺 I’m just an elder lay layperson with absolutely no medical knowledge but even I was able to absorb what you were saying. I certainly won’t remember it but have you on replay and will now watch it over and over and try to impress my Cardiologist in three weeks time. ♥️💔

[@omelelliston2746]

Thanks doctor Gupta, don't be disheartened by the decreased of your subscription..Doctor's like you are very important to us..We value every information that you share.. I've learned a lot in a little bit of time on your video. I recently had an echocardiogram, results are pending..This video prepared me for the results.. Thanks again..

[@kathleensimpson8605]

Explanation of an echo was extremely informative. Thank you!!

[@NN-zt1yv]

As a Novice in the Echo study, I'm so glad i listened to you before hand. So informative. Thank you so much Doc

[@prestonsingleton6631]

I have a question sorry just a little nervous and you seem like you may know about echos

[@maishaadams7324]

There are no words to describe the appreciation I have for you and I’m sure many feel the same way…Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! so much for taking the time out to explain all that you do in such depth…I don’t think doctors realize the type of anxiety patients and their families go through when they found out they have heart failure or any kind of life changing diagnosis. My son was diagnosed with heart failure at 30 and it has been beyond stressful trying to understand all that is going on with him. You have been a huge help for me in n understanding. I wish you were his cardiologist…

[@kenhollman5620]

Thankyou so very much for taking the time to explain how this test is done, really interesting. I had a heart attack 2015 had two echo's done. watching your video really help me as a layman understand the report. Many thanks

[@jimanderson2518]

Yrs later and your still helping people Gob bless you excellent information

[@corneliuslinneball9982]

Beautiful explanation and comments to alleviate our concerns and fears of something wrong.

[@BallymoreBoy101]

So lucid, well-paced and illustrated, easy to understand. I shall study my imminent Echo report with less trepidation. Many thanks.

[@anncousins7541]

This presentation is great! It explains the use of the echo so that you can ask informed questions. Dr. Gupta is so relatable, which is therapeutic in of itself! Thanks.

[@annawarner1078]

On 6/30/2021 I ended up in Emergency with what was diagnosed as Atrial Flutter (114/80/157). I'm really grateful to you for your videos, as now I'm in process of rapid knowledge acquisition on everything cardiovascular. I'm going for Stress Echo tomorrow so I really appreciate this and the next video. Thank you again. Greetings from Southern California. God bless you for your videos and publicizing your knowledge to thousands of people world-wide.

[@thefuzzfactor2989]

Thank you so much for your videos. Many blessings from Ireland.

[@danielcady4976]

Excellent presentation - took the mystery out of my echo report. Unfortunately, nobody explained anything to me when I had it done, which only increased my anxiety... I think most doctors like to keep patients mystified to keep us looking to them as the only ones who can understand these things... again, a great explanation that put me at ease...

[@carolyntaylor371]

Thanks so much,we should have more doctors like you!! Very educational God bless you!!

[@Woodville2022]

I am about to start to study Cardiac Sonography. A great introduction video for a keen student!

[@chrissager346]

You were extremely thorough in your explanation of the echo report. It helped me immensely in understanding the function and structure of the heart. I have learned a great deal from you.

[@pattyschiffhauer-perlberg9441]

Just had this echo done as my doctor wanted a better look at what might be causing stage three kidney failure disease or whatever and I’m uneducated as to the body’s function with the two, heart and kidney. But YOU dear sir, with this video has been absolutely helpful to the common ear! You’ve made it all understandable. I can’t say how thankful I am to have come across this video! Sincerest of appreciation of your giving of your time in sharing your knowledge! Very grateful. Don’t stop sharing your educated insight with those of us who know nothing about the echo read, the function in simple but defined detail! I thank you! Happy good heart health to you sir!

[@jacquelineschenk7598]

Thank you,thank you! I finally understand as I asked for a hard copy of the report to study after your explanation.Now I can ask intelligent questions.

[@hadassasson4935]

Thank you so very much for your meaningful explanation Dr. Gupta! So informative and every question I had was answered completely! You are a wonderful physician and many, many could learn so much from you!

[@smiconsulting8434]

Love your informative videos! Thank you so much for the value you provide to all of us.

[@faithahora]

So very infornative. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@marianiroberto]

Great explanation! It Cleared things up for me!

[@gloriajansma5453]

Hello, someone in a thread about sinus rhythm with supraventricular ectopic shared about you. We have a Kardio mobile device; I had uncomfortable sensations with my heart, so ckd & got that reading. You have explained it all in depth & it has settled my anxiety. Thank you so much. Glad I found your KZbin channel!! Thank you!

[@Josh-pe5pl]

So very helpful. I've had MV replaced twice so decided it's about time to learn a little more about it! Second time was a TMVR. Magical.

[@YorkCardiology]

How very kind ..thank you so much!