Moderately leaking aortic valve

[leach234]

Just had a stress test and a echo cardiogram for chest pain. The good news was my arteries were not blocked. The bad news was my aortic valve had moderate leakage and I had high blood pressure. Doctor said there is nothing to do right now and wants to put me on blood pressure medicine.

1) how long can one live with a moderately leaking aortic valve.

2) can I reduce my BP by losing weight, eating right, getting rid of salt, stop drinking alcohol, and exercising rather than take blood pressure medicine? Doctor doesn’t think so.

I weigh 178 pounds and should be 160 pounds. I am 5’8”.

[Hidden]

As someone who has a heart condition and also spent 30 years working in cardiology I would say...

1. You can live a very long time with a moderately leaking valve. Should it get worse there are options for repairing / replacing the valve in the future.

2. You do need the blood pressure drugs to keep you healthy and safe. But you can also help your future wellness by doing the things that you have already identified yourself.

Eating healthy, exercising and losing weight.

In an ideal world doing these things might allow your doctor to reduce the amount of drug you take but as a minimum it might mean you won't need to increase the dose in the future.

[Ianc2]

BMI of about 27 - if you can get it down to about 24 you will probably feel better. There is a long established link between blood pressure and weight . An alternative point of view is to get your tape measure out. Is your waist half your height ?

The mediterranean diet , lose the sugar, and regular exercise can make changes if you stick to it. How high is your blood pressure?

[leach234 in reply to Ianc2]

Took it this morning and it was 173/97. Breathed deep, relaxed and took it again and it was 144/87. An 1/2 hour later the other arm showed 156/90. Yesterday it ranged from 173/102 to 177/110.

I am 5’8” and weigh 177. My goal is to get down to 155 pounds. Now walking 3.5 miles twice a day. Cut out all salt from my diet and quit alcohol. Eating a very cardiac friendly diet. No processed or canned foods. Lots of fruits and vegetables.

I already am seeing a difference in the 1 days readings.