Problems Reading The Echocardiogram~Anyone Else In Similar Situation????

Hi Everyone!! Has anyone else had problems with the results of their nuclear stress test/echo? I was told by Dr. Ehrlich's PA that the results of the echo were hard to interpret because of my body habitus and the cardiologist might want to do further testing. But I have already had the test done twice and really do not want to go through it again. I would love some advice if someone out there has been through the same problem. Thanks.

Hi Kim! I had the same problem with my echo... "too much body tissue" to look through... "a technically difficult study"... bottom line, they were trying to say I was too fat! No kidding... that was why I was having the surgery! My wls did not ask for another test.... they were able to see that my heart was doing OK and left it at that! Did they indicate a "final impression" on your test??? Did they indicate that your heart was functioning oK?? I cannot imagine that they will make you go through it AGAIN!!!!! Good luck, my friend! Sandy

Hi Kim I am an u/s tech and an echocardiographer. The exams can be very limited by a patient's body habitus. I have done exams that are totally worthless--because of the limited view due to lots of factors. Sometimes its not just heavy people...everyones heart is in a slightly different location. The enemies of u/s are air and bone. The fact that Echos are done with ribs and lung in the way is a big problem on anyone! If one's rib spaces are small or they have respiratory problems..it makes the scan even harder. Sometimes exams are totally non-diagnositic--its just the nature of the exam. I would do any further testing the docs wanted if I were you. Its to your benefit. Just my opinion..hope this helps. Good Luck to you Joanie