Echocardiogram request for mother

[Hfox64]

Hi Mumsnet,

I need advice about the potential reasons why I have had an echocardiogram requested by an obstetrics doctor for myself.

As a bit of background, im a 37 year old with no significant past medical history. I have one daughter already, normal birth and no medical issues. My 8 week antenatal bloods came back normal, my scan was yesterday and the results for the three chromosomal disorders came back as low risk. I dont smoke or drink and no history of drugs.

The letter for the echo was created yesterday and requested by an obstetrics doctor. Of which i have seen on my badger notes I also have an appontment with them on the 20th. I have phoned my community midwive but as it is after 5 I am left to my own thoughts/worries until tomorrow morning. There was no contact from anyone to forwarn me of these appointments.

Any similar experiences or thoughts on why this has been requested? Im grateful for any responses.

It might be a mistake - do you have a relatively common name?

However if it is needed, it's good to have it done

Hi @Hfox64,

I don't have any answers for you, but just replying to bump this up the thread page, so others might see it and respond.

I hope you managed to get in touch with your Midwife today and got some answers x

I had an echo but just because of irregular heartbeat in my childhood and some mild palpitations during pregnancy. Maybe it's a mistake? Or maybe your heart rate was a little high in your last appointment? Hope you got some answers since. It's good to get it done anyway.

Thank you for your replies. Turns out it was a mistake. They recorded my dad as having cardiomyopathy so wanted to screen me, whereas it was my husband's dad who had it. A night of worrying for nothing 🙈thanks again 🤗

I don’t want to add any worry to you but inherited heart conditions should be taken very seriously.

If your husbands dad had cardiomyopathy then your husband should be checked. He should have had some investigations by an inherited heart clinic (cascade testing) when his dads condition was made known. He has a 50% chance in carry a gene that may cause the same issue in him. I would think he may just need an echocardiogram but he should definitely have one. If he has inherited the condition then your children should also be checked too.

id really suggest your husband speak to the genetic nurses at the British heart foundation to gain guidance on nearest inherited heart clinic and what investigations he should have been offered. Unfortunately so many inherited heart conditions are not properly investigated.