Floppy valve and prolonged QT

[Falling_to_bits]

I've been diagnosed with a heart murmur caused by a leaky valve, and a prolonged QT rhythm. Recently I've been getting increased (almost constant) tachycardia, palpitations & ectopic beats, plus breathlessness and intermittent chest pressure with pain, sometimes spreading to left neck and head. Waiting for results of repeated tests. Anyone got experience of this please? Many thanks in advance.

[Amikatari]

Hello Falling_to_bits, please don't think of yourself as falling to bits, there is every chance the problems can be resolved and that you'll have a happier future.

I've had some similar experiences, as I was born with a faulty aortic valve and only found out recently. I had breathlessness, racing heart, chest pain on and off, like yours it also spread to my neck, head and left arm, making me scared I would have a heart attack, as I had no idea what was causing it, and doctors kept telling me it was anxiety. The valve started leaking badly over the last few years. I was eventually diagnosed this year, aged 44, when I came down with an infection, and it was replaced with an artificial valve this May.

Which of your valves is leaking, and do you know if it's been faulty since birth? If so, I highly recommend the Somerville Foundation, they support people with congenital heart disease.

I'm glad the docs have worked out what's causing your symptoms and are doing the tests. Do you know when you'll get the results?

Have they discussed a treatment plan with you, and are they giving you any meds in the meantime?

I feel so much better since getting my artificial valve. I had problems all my life, though I didn't know why, and now I feel better than ever! I hope you feel the same once they've treated the problems, and I hope they get things moving quickly for you.

It must be a very difficult and frightening time for you, sending love and best wishes, Cathy x