Judy's Profile

I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation four years ago. It went from moderate to moderate/severe to severe this year. Now I have shortness of breath and fatigued and my cardiologist determined that I should have surgery. I had a cardiac catherization and trans esophogeal echocardiogram which showed that my arteries are clear, but have severe regurgitation with calcium build-up in the area. I got a referral to Dr Shekar who determined that he would have to replace the valve because of the calcium build-up. I learned of Brigham & Women's reputation for heart surgery from this web site and I'm happy to be having my surgery there. I'm anxious about this surgery, but will be glad when it's over.