ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSES IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH SYSTOLIC MURMURS AND CARDIAC DISEASE

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Abstract
M-mode and ‘real-time’ echocardiography was employed to study 100 elderly with systolic murmurs and cardiac disease. Technically adequate recordings were obtained in 89 patients. Independent assessment of the echocardiographs showed good reproducibility. Aortic sclerosis was the most prevalent lesion, but did not by itself impair left ventricular function. The echocardiographic diagnosis of mitral regurgitation was significantly related to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. A link between murmur and cardiac disease was postulated in 40% of cases.