Leaky heart valve 'diagnosis!?'

[Myanonymoususername]

Hello

I've had some issues with my heart since being a teen, mostly pain and palpitations but echocardiograms have always been ok.

I was taken into hospital in July with a numb arm, chest pain and shortness of breath. I was eventually sent home to make an appointment for the GP to refer me for an echocardiogram as apparently this made getting results easier doing it through the GP. I did this and the GP has only rang me today, almost 4 months later with the results and I have a leaky heart valve. I was quite taken back by this as I was expecting another normal echocardiogram.

The GP says I need a 24 hour ECG in a few weeks and another echocardiogram in a few years. I have been awfully lightheaded lately to the point I am stumbling over. I asked the GP if this could be related and he said 'maybe.'I asked if I needed to come in before an ECG and he just said that's up to me and he has referred me.

A few hours have past and now I'm full of questions. I am 28 years old, I'm not over weight, I dont smoke or drink. Should i be worried? Is the recent light headedness a sign that i should be seen again sooner for an echocardiogram and not in a few years? Is this serious? Does this mean I have heart valve disease? I go to the gym every day, should I stop?

I know no one here will be able to fully answer my questions but I just needed somewhere to air my confusion and to see if anyone has experiences similar to mine.

Thanks x

[Myanonymoususername]

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[Janma123 in reply to Myanonymoususername]

Keep a diary of your symptoms and write down any questions you have as this will help when speaking to doctors etc.

If you need questions answered the BHF nurses on the helpline are available during the day throughout the week.

Best wishes