Introducing myself

I was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a child, a result of Rheumatic Fever. Slowly over the years the damage to my Mitral Valve has worsened to where the regurgitation is classified as severe and I also have an enlarged chamber. At 62, my body has had time to adapt so I manage pretty well and should only need a repair or replacement when my heart becomes more compromised. I have six monthly check ups which involves an Echocardiogram & ECG. About three years ago was really the first time that an operation came up in conversation on one of my check ups so I decided to get as physically fit as I could to give myself the best advantage. This comprises mostly of resistance training as I have to be careful how high my heart rate goes so can’t really do heavy cardio exercises but a brisk walk on the treadmill does the trick.

[Fredders]

Hi Jan

Welcome to the forum. Like you I was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I was 15 but they think I was probably born with it. I had yearly checks and eventually my leaky aortic valve needed replacing when I was 53. Unfortunately that tissue valve also developed severe regurgitation and I had a mechanical AVR last November. I have just started back to work and apart from some breathlessness am feeling well.

Hope you don’t need the surgery, but you’ll get plenty of support on here if you do.

Wendy

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Its good to hear that you are keeping yourself as fit as you can. I would imagine you are also eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoiding to much salt, fat and sugar, Stay well.