Abnormal ultrasound results

[Lottie12]

Hi, my 16 yr old son has been told he’s got abnormal muscle function & a backflow on one of his heart valves. Had MRI scan last week so awaiting the results & he’s been put on low dose of a beta-blocker. He gets breathless & tires quickly. Any info appreciated on this please? Is it treatable & will it get any worse? Does this condition have a “proper” name? Thank you.

[Zena166]

Hi Lottie. Sorry to hear about your son. Why not give the BHF helpline a call they are really helpful and very supportive. It must be a worrying time for your son, you and your family. Also book a time to see your GP who will be able to chat about you and your sons questions thoughts and feelings. Take care. Zena x

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Lottie12,

Valve problems causing backflow of blood is known as regurgitation. Regurgitation is the name for leaking heart valves. Sometimes the condition is minor and may not require treatment, but other times valve regurgitation places a strain on the heart.

I am not sure what abnormal muscle function refers to and you will have to wait to get the results to understand what this all means in full. When patients are prescribed beta blockers it reduces the workload of the heart and work mainly by decreasing the activity of the heart by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline. This should also improve symptoms.

A valve problem is usually assessed annually with an MRI scan/echo and more if the patient is symptomatic. They can decide whether the patient would benefit from a valve replacement/repair or they can be managed with medications. There is more information available at bhf.org.uk about this.

It is not possible to provide any further information as you don’t have the results back yet, but once you do I would encourage you to discuss them in full with the cardiologist. If you have any additional questions, you may also find it helpful to call our heart helpline and speak to a cardiac nurse on 0300 330 3311* *Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, calls are a similar cost to 01 or 02 numbers.)

Take care,

Emily

[Lottie12 in reply to Emily_BHF]

Hi Emily, thanks for your reply . At least now I know what he’s got! I’ll await the MRI results & take it from there. Thank you .

[gal4God]

Be there for him and talk to him about this and listen to him. Answer questions and get him to ask questions at his appointments. It’s not easy growing up wiv a heart condition and I cares from a young age. I think I was about 5 wen I started to worry about my heart condition but never spoke so if he isn’t talking it doesn’t mean he don’t care, everyone handles stress differently. I have valve issues and have had many ops. It is treatable but It can come back.