I'm 62 and I've been diagnosed with Mitral Valve regurgitation. I and my family have always been in perfect health. No history of heart or any other conditions. ...Read more
I'm 62 and I've been diagnosed with Mitral Valve regurgitation. I and my family have always been in perfect health. No history of heart or any other conditions. My Great Grandparents lived to be 100, my grandparents into their 90's, and my dad is now 90 and my mom is 87. Both in extremely good health and still go to the gym every day. I was shocked when the doctor told me through a variety of tests, that I had this condition. I asked what they do when they find this in a patient? He said depending on the severity, (which I don't think can be determined for sure without actually going in and looking), it's common and unless I have symptoms, I should be fine. Lately the only symptom I seem to have is extreme fatigue that I never had before? Always tired and easily winded. To be honest, I'm afraid of any type of heart or heart valve surgery and I'm not sure it's even necessary, but am still concerned. I also am active and don't want my life to change and slow down as it has due to extreme fatigue. Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed.
Lilly Black Dave, if you are skeptical, then I recommend a 2nd opinion. Did you go to a heart specialist? My expe ... Read more
Lilly Black Dave, if you are skeptical, then I recommend a 2nd opinion. Did you go to a heart specialist? My experience in 2006 was when I went for a physical, the EKG was abnormal. The cardiologist I was referred to did not have state of the art equipment, and she thought she saw a hole in my heart. So she recommended a bubble test, but they could not see the hole during the test. So more testing was made and that was when the technician spotted the aneurysm. The size of the aneurysm was not detected correctly either, because went I went to Stanford Medical, they immediately saw the BAV and they were able to measure the Aneurysm accurately. I had the aneurysm repaired 3 months later. I recommend a second opinion to the best cardiologist that you have access to. That's my 2 cents! Hope this helps.
You sound like 99% of this board fine one day then you get the news and you struggle with the idea of ... Read more
You sound like 99% of this board fine one day then you get the news and you struggle with the idea of getting this surgery. I still dont have a date but I was very concerned like you and I am 48. I am finally going June 28th to get a date. You will go through a roller coaster of emotions, fear, doubt etc. Then you will research and weigh the alternatives and realize that surgery is probably better than not.
There are many success stories on this board most recently Alan and Debbie. The success rate of these surgeries are high and mortality low.
Now I am talking all big and mighty without still going through it but that's because I have multiple points of reference starting with Adam and everyone else before me.
You have to make the right choice for you because it is your life.
I asked my guy what is life expectancy after this he said normal so if you live to 100 you'll be normal. I'll take another 40.
Life expectancy without surgery he stated I'd prefer not to do a heart transplant on you in 10 years. So I choose the surgery.
Chris Vereb Is your heart beat irregular? I have a friend with a mitral valve problem and he just takes a beta bl ... Read more
Chris Vereb Is your heart beat irregular? I have a friend with a mitral valve problem and he just takes a beta blocker. So that would be good if say you only had to do that. Like others have said get another opinion. I did. I am 51 and had aortic valve replaced 6/14/16. Hopefully that helps a little.
Jean Raber I'm 62 and, like you, was always a high energy person. I felt gypped when my mitral valve went bad re ... Read more
Jean Raber I'm 62 and, like you, was always a high energy person. I felt gypped when my mitral valve went bad relatively young. (I was diagnosed with moderate to severe MV regurg a couple years ago, right after getting my mom, in her 80s, through aortic valve replacement. They also found I had a rare blood cancer in the process of doing my heart tests. It's been a bunch of fun.)
My main symptom is shortness of breath and fatigue. Heart condition or cancer? They aren't sure because they have similar symptoms. However, I wake up sometimes with my heart pounding in the night or in the morning and a sense of anxiety, which is the the MV for sure.
I have not had surgery yet (blood cancer complicates things). But three things I would ask any cardiologist:
1. How much of your energy levels are you likely to regain after surgery and what are your surgical risk factors? They're different for everyone.
2. What are your cardio's views on doing surgery sooner rather than later and why?
3. Are you more likely to be able to have a repair rather than replacement (quicker and better outcome). What's the likelihood of repair over replacement?
Best of luck, Dave.
Denise Campbell They can tell how bad the vale is with echos or a catherization. They also use TEE test before they ... Read more
Denise Campbell They can tell how bad the vale is with echos or a catherization. They also use TEE test before they "go in".
Kevin Lee Dave, I am 32 and was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. May 31, I was advised by my Cardiologist th ... Read more
Kevin Lee Dave, I am 32 and was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. May 31, I was advised by my Cardiologist that it was time to replace it. I knew that surgery was in my future, however I was still nervous none the less. The nerves are normal, but I became more confident with more research. After getting a couple of 2nd opinions, I find that it is indeed time. June 28, I go in the Surgeon to find out some key results for my CT Scan and may set a date.
The best thing that can be done is have all the info you need to make an informed decision. Have Medical team you are comfortable with and support around you. Get second opinions. I made my valve last 32 years before surgery was ever seriously discussed. So surgery may not be required just yet. There are medications that can help with symptoms and offer some protection for the heart. Just know it is not a cure. If and when it becomes time for surgery - I find confidence knowing that they do these proceedures on a daily bases.
Wanda Mroz I had OHS in August 2015 for mitral valve regurgitation and prolapse. I thought prior to surgery tha ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I had OHS in August 2015 for mitral valve regurgitation and prolapse. I thought prior to surgery that my symptoms were non existent. Well now that everything is fixed I realize I had a lot. Lightheadedness, feeling faint, tired, heart palpitations, pounding heart during the night... Now rarely does my heart palpitations, and I'm not feeling faint. I feel pretty good and on many ways better than before. I'd seek a second opinion as well. It will diminish your life... Only make it better . Read my story and others. We e all been where you are and understand how you feel.
Rita Savelis I understand how you feel Dave. It's not your fault that you have a faulty valve. It happens, even wh ... Read more
Rita Savelis I understand how you feel Dave. It's not your fault that you have a faulty valve. It happens, even when you lead an exemplary life and are active. Tiredness and getting winded easily are symptoms that doctors will watch and they will watch your valve's measurements through ultrasounds. You may be fine for now, but you will be watched and monitored.
Emily Rowley Dave, I would advise getting an Echo and see what your Doctor says-may refer you onto a Cardiologist. ... Read more
Emily Rowley Dave, I would advise getting an Echo and see what your Doctor says-may refer you onto a Cardiologist. I had Mitral Regurgitation too and glad I got it checked out further, I had surgery on my heart and feel better for it. Do you get out of breathe?
Michael Meyer Dave:
There are adverse effects to not treating moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. It is ... Read more
Michael Meyer Dave:
There are adverse effects to not treating moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. It is important to understand what the status of the leakage is as several others have suggested. High pressure in the heart can cause heart enlargement and permanent damage. There is no longer "watchful waiting" there are other measures to look at.
Classic symptoms the physicians always asked me if I could not catch my breath and they looked for edema in my legs. I had neither of those problems but was tired all the time and had heart fluttering irregular heartbeats.
Make sure you get some resolution with a cardiologist. A second opinion is good peace of mind.
Petey Bello Dave, most of us have dealt with the fears & emotions you are going through. I agree with what has be ... Read more
Petey Bello Dave, most of us have dealt with the fears & emotions you are going through. I agree with what has been said above. Get an echo, get 2 opinions from different surgeons before you head into surgery.
I have always been healthy, workouted & active. They said my heart was strong but my mitral valve was damaged & the only fix was surgery. I couldn't understand it at first until I did my research. I had my mitral valve repaired 2months ago & even though at times it has been difficult I cannot believe how much better I feel 'post surgery'. I didn't really think I had symptoms before surgery but now since I feel so much better after surgery, the bad valve was affecting my life. .
The only fix for a bad valve is surgery, if you need it - don't delay. This is an excellent site for support, comfort, advice. I will keep you in my prayers as you continue your heart journey!
God Bless
There are many success stories on this board most recently Alan and Debbie. The success rate of these surgeries are high and mortality low.
Now I am talking all big and mighty without still going through it but that's because I have multiple points of reference starting with Adam and everyone else before me.
You have to make the right choice for you because it is your life.
I asked my guy what is life expectancy after this he said normal so if you live to 100 you'll be normal. I'll take another 40.
Life expectancy without surgery he stated I'd prefer not to do a heart transplant on you in 10 years. So I choose the surgery.
My main symptom is shortness of breath and fatigue. Heart condition or cancer? They aren't sure because they have similar symptoms. However, I wake up sometimes with my heart pounding in the night or in the morning and a sense of anxiety, which is the the MV for sure.
I have not had surgery yet (blood cancer complicates things). But three things I would ask any cardiologist:
1. How much of your energy levels are you likely to regain after surgery and what are your surgical risk factors? They're different for everyone.
2. What are your cardio's views on doing surgery sooner rather than later and why?
3. Are you more likely to be able to have a repair rather than replacement (quicker and better outcome). What's the likelihood of repair over replacement?
Best of luck, Dave.
The best thing that can be done is have all the info you need to make an informed decision. Have Medical team you are comfortable with and support around you. Get second opinions. I made my valve last 32 years before surgery was ever seriously discussed. So surgery may not be required just yet. There are medications that can help with symptoms and offer some protection for the heart. Just know it is not a cure. If and when it becomes time for surgery - I find confidence knowing that they do these proceedures on a daily bases.
There are adverse effects to not treating moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. It is ... Read more
There are adverse effects to not treating moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. It is important to understand what the status of the leakage is as several others have suggested. High pressure in the heart can cause heart enlargement and permanent damage. There is no longer "watchful waiting" there are other measures to look at.
Classic symptoms the physicians always asked me if I could not catch my breath and they looked for edema in my legs. I had neither of those problems but was tired all the time and had heart fluttering irregular heartbeats.
Make sure you get some resolution with a cardiologist. A second opinion is good peace of mind.
I have always been healthy, workouted & active. They said my heart was strong but my mitral valve was damaged & the only fix was surgery. I couldn't understand it at first until I did my research. I had my mitral valve repaired 2months ago & even though at times it has been difficult I cannot believe how much better I feel 'post surgery'. I didn't really think I had symptoms before surgery but now since I feel so much better after surgery, the bad valve was affecting my life. .
The only fix for a bad valve is surgery, if you need it - don't delay. This is an excellent site for support, comfort, advice. I will keep you in my prayers as you continue your heart journey!
God Bless