My Echocardiogram Is Abnormal: Now What?

by | May 23, 2020 | How To | 0 comments

uncustomary.org

 

Every 40 seconds, an American has a heart attack. Understanding your heart health is imperative to keep you from being another statistic.

Getting back an abnormal echocardiogram can be very scary, especially if you are unsure of what that even means for you. This can be even scarier if you’re over 60 – for health tips, especially for retirees, take a look at BoomerBuyerGuides.

We are going to dive into what happens when you get an abnormal echocardiogram and other things you should know concerning the echocardiogram.

 

What Does an Echocardiogram Show?

An echocardiogram, also sometimes called an echo, is an ultrasound of the heart’s structure and size.

They are useful because they give us information about the heart we otherwise wouldn’t be able to see. The echo shows exactly what is going on in each chamber of your beating heart.

What Is the Difference Between a Normal and Abnormal Echo?

When the hearts valves and chambers appear to be working as they should that means you have a normal echo. That means you echo is free from signs of tumors or blood clots, that your valves are opening and closing as they should, and there are no signs of infection.

An abnormal echo could show things like the following:

  • Blood clots
  • Improperly opening and closing valves
  • Your hearts walls are too thick or too thin
  • Pericardial effusion which is fluid around the heart

When you get these results it is important to understand that the echo shows what is going on in and around your heart, but it does not show why it is happening.

Now that you have gotten the results back that you have had an abnormal echo, you need to ask your doctor some questions.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

There are a few questions to ask once your results are in. These questions can help you to understand exactly what is going on. Ask questions like the following:

  • What caused my condition
  • How can we treat the condition
  • Will I need additional testing
  • How severe is the condition
  • Should I seek another opinion

These questions are important next steps that you should take after getting an abnormal echocardiogram.

Research the Condition 

Your doctor has the echocardiography training to diagnose and treat your condition. It is important for you to understand what is going on inside your body as well. Let’s take a look at some of the possible conditions that may have caused your abnormal echo.

Blood Clots

 Blood clots in the heart occur when blood flows and meets substances like waxy cholesterol in your heart. They can also occur from abnormal blood flow which can cause pooling. Arterial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis are two causes of clots.

Heart Valve Disease

You have four valves in your heart. The pulmonary, mitral, aortic, and tricuspid. They work by pushing blood through your heart. The following are diseases that cause them to work incorrectly:

  • Valve Stenosis causes valves to become stiff and limits blood flow
  • Valve Regurgitation causes blood to flow in the wrong direction
  • Valve Atresia is a condition that you are born with where you have no valve opening

Pericardial Effusion

You have a sac-like structure surrounding your heart called the pericardium. It can become inflamed causing an abnormal echo by the following:

  • Inflammation post-surgery or after a heart attack
  • Autoimmune disorders like lupus
  • Certain cancers
  • Kidney failure, which can lead to waste in your blood
  • Underactive thyroid gland
  • Certain prescription drugs including blood pressure medication
  • Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections

Additional Testing May Be Needed

In many cases, additional testing is needed to better interpret the results of your abnormal echo. Additional testing will help your doctor understand why your condition is happening and how to treat the condition properly.

Let’s look at what tests you should expect.

Chest X-Ray

The chest x-ray works by helping doctors to visualize your organs, bones, and other areas of your chest. Your doctor will interpret the health and function of your heart by ordering the chest x-ray.

Your doctor may require radiology images, such as an x-ray, before and after starting treatment for your condition. This will allow them to closely monitor the progress of your heart after treatment.

Electrocardiogram Test

This test also called an EKG, measures the electrical activity in your heart. It can be used in conjunction with the echo to better understand your condition.

There are several different types of EKG tests. Your doctor will work with you to decide which test is the best option for you. Some of the types of EKG tests are listed below:

  • Resting EKG
  • Stress test or exercise EKG
  • 24 hour or ambulatory EKG

Cardiac Catheterization 

This procedure is used to determine conditions like coronary artery disease. The test is performed by inserting a thin tube called a catheter into a vein, usually via the groin, and then threading the tube through your blood vessels and into the heart.

Your doctor will keep you awake for the procedure. The doctor will be able to locate blockages, take tissue samples, and check other functions of your heart in this procedure.

Handling an Abnormal Echocardiogram

The echocardiogram is an extremely common test. Remember that stress does not help your heart. Your doctors are trained to help you with this condition!

It is important that you take responsibility for your health sooner rather than later.

Be proactive in communicating with your doctor about the results and about what you can do at home to help your condition. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

For more posts like this, check out our site!

 

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle