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Can severe anemia effect the results of an echocardiogram?
Asked 9 months ago - Bluffton, SC
While hospitalized for severe anemia, it was discovered that there was also serious aortic stenosis and valve replacement recommended. My question: is it possible the severe anemia could have influenced the result of the Echocardiogram diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis?
Doctor answers (1)
While anemia can change the way your heart beats and influence the way blood flows through your heart (your heart typically beats a little faster when you have anemia), a diseased aortic valve has characteristic features on echocardiogram that are not influenced by blood flow. If anything, your narrowed aortic valve probably caused the anemia, or at least contributed to it. A severely damaged aortic valve can injure red blood cells as they pass through the valve. These cells are then removed from your circulation by your spleen, which can lead to anemia.
There may be other factors that caused your anemia (iron deficiency is a common cause), and your doctor can review those with you. However, anemia would not have led to an incorrect diagnosis of aortic stenosis on your echocardiogram.
I hope things go well for you.
There may be other factors that caused your anemia (iron deficiency is a common cause), and your doctor can review those with you. However, anemia would not have led to an incorrect diagnosis of aortic stenosis on your echocardiogram.
I hope things go well for you.
