Cardiologist
Past Medical History
* Hypertension, 2010
* Hypercholesterolemia, 2015
* Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, 2018
Social History
* Non-smoker
* Drinks alcohol occasionally, 1-2 units per week
* Lives with wife, independent in activities of daily living
Family History
* Father: History of coronary artery disease, died at age 72
* Mother: Alive, history of hypertension
Drugs
* Aspirin 75mg daily
* Atorvastatin 20mg nocte
* Lisinopril 10mg daily
* Metformin 500mg twice daily
Dear Dr. [GP's Name],
It was a pleasure to review this 78-year-old patient. The patient presented with progressive shortness of breath on exertion and chest pain over the past 6 months. Symptoms have worsened recently, now experiencing shortness of breath at rest. The patient denies any recent fevers, cough, or other respiratory symptoms. The patient reports a history of intermittent claudication in the left leg, but this has not worsened recently.
Examination
* Blood pressure: 140/80 mmHg
* Heart rate: 72 bpm, regular
* Cardiac auscultation: Grade III/VI systolic ejection murmur heard best at the right upper sternal border, radiating to the carotids.
* Peripheral pulses: 2+ and equal bilaterally.
* No peripheral oedema.
ECG: Sinus rhythm, left ventricular hypertrophy, no acute ST-T wave changes.
Echo: Severe aortic stenosis (valve area 0.7 cm2, mean gradient 55 mmHg, peak gradient 75 mmHg), left ventricular hypertrophy, normal left ventricular systolic function (EF 60%).
CT TAVI: Aortic valve is trileaflet, severe calcification, annulus diameter 23mm. MAC is present. Transfemoral approach is feasible.
Coronary angiogram: Mild non-obstructive coronary artery disease.
Impression
* Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.
* The natural history of severe aortic stenosis was explained, including the risks and benefits of TAVI intervention.
Plan
* Discussed the case at the multidisciplinary team meeting.
* Patient is suitable for TAVI.
* Schedule patient for pre-TAVI assessment.
* Inform the patient of the plan and obtain consent.
* Follow up in 2 weeks.