I'm going for an echocardiagram on Monday. Do they tell you sraight away if there is a problem?

Question

I was all set to run a marathon in November 2005. I went for a routine check up at the Docs and my ECG came back with an unusual result, so my Dr asked for an echocardiagram to find out what was up. National Health Service being what it is January 2007 I get my appointment. Been too worried to run for over 18 months and really want an answer straight away and not have to wait any longer.
Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

An echocardiogram is an ultrasonic examination of the heart- the 4 valves, the cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation,the sizes of the different chambers of the heart etc.

This is usually done by the cardiologist himself or his assistant.He will see everything on the screen and he will do photographs or a video digital recording for future analysis in the light of the symptoms and the results of other tests.

It is indeed a pity that you had to wait that long for the test and more so you have not trained for that length of time.

If you explain to the doctor the implication of your wait I am sure he will just be too happy to give you a provisional diagnosis before he writes his final report. He may even give you immediately the necessary advice regarding further tests or about your training.

In a situation like you are I make it a point to give a running commentary during the echocardiography and,by the time I finish I give the provisional diagnosis which is usually a summary of the final.

Best of luck and hope your apprehension and anxiety come to an end on Monday.

Answer 2

I went for an ECG about 2months ago, I was referred by my GP. You do get the results straight away but the person performing the test cannot give out the results as they are not allowed too. They just put it in an envelope and gave it to me. Luckily my father is surgeon so I asked him to look at it and he said it was fine, but I had to give it back to the GP and she also said everything was fine. Hope this helps :)

Answer 3

I went for one recently and was lucky enough to see the consultant within half an hour after the test, but he did say to me that he had arranged for me to go to that particular hospital 15 miles away from home for the tests so that he could do it this way.

If I had gone to my local hospital although I would have seen the same consultant they make you come back for another appointment and he said he felt it was unfair for people to have to wait.

You could ring and ask the hospital where you are having the test what their protocol is.

Answer 4

Probably a technician will administer the procedure. If there is a cardiologist or other qualified doctor present to interpret the results, he/she will probably talk to you the same day. If not, the nurse or MA will send the results on to a doctor.

If you are a young person and otherwise have no symptoms (look up symptoms of heart disease and stroke) ... AND if your doctor did not advise you to avoid physical activity ... then I'd go ahead with a moderate exercise, including running, if this is your normal routine.

Answer 5

Normally in the uk hospitals, once you have had the echocardiagram you will not be told nothing not even by the Radioligist,they will send all your results to your Gp.Once your results are bck with your Gp one off the Secretarys or the Dr himself will call and make an appt for you to discuss the results.Good Luck

Answer 6

I was tested and then waited to see a top consultant who then told me i had a problem with one of my heart valves on the very same day. Some doctors will tell you but i do know some that you have to make a follow up appointment. Good Luck.
Kaeylarae xxx

Answer 7

yes they do ,,,,,straight away it shows any unusall beating of the heart ,scars ,blood flow,hope this helps

Answer 8

usually not, they get sent to your Doctor, then you have to go back to them or call them for the re-salts.