Worsening Leaky Heart Valves.

[Liam47]

When I had my last echocardiogram done last year, it showed I’ve got a very slight leaky aortic valve, and mild leaky pulmonary valve and a mild leaky triscipid valve. I see my cardiologist on the 20th Feb.

I’ve already had heart surgery back in July 2017, to replace my aortic root, then I had a moderate leaking aortic valve because of the dilation of my aortic root was pulling apart the leaflets of the aortic valve.

Anyway, these last couple of months, I’ve been getting symptoms back that I had before surgery and I was wondering if when I was exerting myself, if my 3 leaky heart valves could get worse because I’m exerting myself, making the heart work a bit more than I would if I was sitting down?

Just wondered if anyone could put some information on this?

Thank you,

Liam.

[Fortepiano]

'Very slight/ mild' leaking valves are nothing to worry about, and it's much better for your heart to exercise and walk rather than sit around. You've been through cardiac rehab haven't you?

Heavy weight -lifting is the only exercise which isn't good for valves.

It's good you have an appointment soon to sort out your symptoms. I would ease off on exercise temporarily if you are finding it brings on your symptoms, until you have a diagnosis of the problems.

Nevertheless, exercise itself won't have harmed your valves in any way or made them leakier. So when this is sorted just carry on exercising. I have a mildly leaking aortic valve and am encouraged to exercise!

[Liam47 in reply to Fortepiano]

Hi,

Thank you for replying.

It’s a bit difficult for me to exercise in a way because I have other health problems that are trying to prevent me from progressing forward.

I did go to a cardiac rehabilitation clinic, but unfortunately it wasn’t until 4 months after I had surgery, long story short, I had to chase it because there was a bit of miscommunication. When I went to the clinic, I was told that they could only give me sitting or assisted standing exercises to do because of the type of heart surgery I had had and taking into account my other health problems. So I couldn’t do any of the strenuous rehab exercises that they give you.

Take Care,

Liam.

[gal4God]

I’ve had a leaky valve all my life and has many ops but as I don’t clean my teeth I wreak them as soon as the valve is replaced. I have valves made from my dna. I was physically active till I was 19 wen fears set in. I’ve never lifted anything heavy as told it was bad for my heart with this heart condition.

[Liam47 in reply to gal4God]

Hi,

Why didn’t your heart surgeon put metal mechanical valves in? Save keep putting you through surgery every time.

Liam.

[gal4God in reply to Liam47]

Because they are better and help me make changes. My doctor finks I make bad lifestyle choices which I agree with.

[Liam47 in reply to gal4God]

Oh I see. How many times have you had heart surgery?

Liam.

[gal4God in reply to Liam47]

Every 3 years, been told it can be every 7 years if I change my lifestyle.

[Liam47 in reply to gal4God]

If you have every 3 years, how long has this been going on for? Perhaps a change of lifestyle is needed as the doctor says!

Liam.

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Liam,

When you exercise and your heart is working harder, this will put additional pressure on your heart. However, unless the symptoms are too much for you, you would still be encouraged to exercise as much as you are able as this is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. Low/moderate intensity exercise such as walking is great because it is easy to gage how you are finding it and you can slow down and allow your heart rate to decrease at a safe rate as well

I would recommend that you discuss this with your cardiologist at your next appointment and see what assessments they wish to do.

Take care,

Emily

[Liam47 in reply to Emily_BHF]

Hi Emily,

Thank you for replying to my post!

It’s difficult for me to do any kind of exercises because of a serious health condition I have. I have a form of muscular dystrophy and myopathy, so it’s tiring getting my body around. Walking can be tiring too. My neuromuscular disease consultant and I knew the muscular dystrophy and myopathy would make it very difficult for me to exercise properly and it would take much longer to recover from the surgery, which it has, I’m still recovering.

Now my fitness levels have gone down because I’m getting tired easier, I’m fatigued and I’m short of breath even going up one flight of stairs. I had some blood tests done when I had the last echocardiogram done and now they have found I’ve developed iron deficiency anaemia, my iron level is very low apparently so the anaemia would count for why I still can’t progress with my fitness levels. I’m on ferrous fumarate tablets.

When I see my cardiologist on Tuesday, I’ll be having repeat blood tests. Hopefully my iron level has increased, although i still feel very tired at times, still fatigued and still short of breath, this is what made me question on here whether my leaky valves got worse on exertion and was making me feel like this?

Take Care,

Liam.

[Maydayuk in reply to Liam47]

I have stage 2 moderate leaky valve with moderate stenosis and I have mild left ventrical impairment with Lbbb. I could tell my condition was getting worse. My breathing is causing me problems, it used to be only when I exerted myself, or if I walk up a incline/stairs etc. I think you know in yourself what your capable of, your body tells you. The bhf gave good advice, a lengthy walk at a steady pace, where you can stop if needs be, or a short stroll what ever your body can manage. If there's a bhf rep out there, quick question is left ventrical impairment, heart failure.

Liam, I hope your feeling better soon, take a little stroll. Might give you the confidence to do more.