Moderate -severe mitral leaky valve with bad palpitations

[Felyiii]

Hi there,

So lovely to see what a beautiful & supporting family you are!

2 years ago I been diagnosed with mild leaky mitral valve & ectopic beats. 1 year later I went to see a private cardiologist as I had bad heart palpitations ( skipped beats, heart flutters or very powerful beats) and I was told that my valve leak is at least moderate and that he will see me again in 1 year time. I am on 10mg Propanolol and still have the awful palpitations nearly every day and sometimes chest sharp pain which last no more than 1-2 sec. No other symptoms, I am a fit 35y female, Healthy lifestyle, non-smoker. My question is how you guys cope with the bad palpitations and if the surgery is really helping? Being a mother of 2 young children, the thought of a surgery terrifies me!

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[Lauriem4]

Feel for you with the palpitations i get them too ectopics. Im also 35 and theyve got worse just lately.Anxiety can definitely also make ectopics worse and its a vicious cycle, im also on propranolol. Hope you find some relief from them soon ! X

[Felyiii in reply to Lauriem4]

Thank you so much Lauriem4! I know they’re so bad especially when then come when you re feeling ok, relaxed! Wishing you all the best and if ever feel like talking, Im here! X

[Lovefrance]

Hi Felyiii. So sorry you are having these problems. I have had a mitral valve repair a few years ago and in my case the operation went fine, although Istill have a slight leak. The thoughts of having a heart operation of course is terrifying. But the surgeons know what they are doing and this is an every day procedure for them. They take good care of you and you are normally out of hospital in a few days. Anxiety is awful and to become stressed certainly doesn’t help. So, try and keep calm. I can’t give advice on ectopic beats but if you are worried ask to speak to your cardiologist again or a cardiac nurse . Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need to. They understand how stressful it is. This site is great. Everyone helps one another.ask again for advice on ectopic beats. Someone will help.

Good luck. From love france.

[Felyiii in reply to Lovefrance]

Thank you so much for making me feel mor optimistic. I guess you re right! At least I am aware that I have this condition and when the time will come there is the operation to mend my heart. Wishing you all the best! 🙏🏼

[Frootbat]

24 hr bp, 24 ecg and echo are necessary to check for cause. Look at triggers. Read, and also talk to the BHF nurse on phone. A different beta blocker may help.

[Felyiii in reply to Frootbat]

Frootbat the cause is my leaky heart. They always come when I’m relaxed, reading, enjoying a movie etc. They are not worse when I exercise or such. Thank you !

[Frootbat in reply to Felyiii]

Same here. No worse on exercise which is a good sign but noticeable when relaxing and in bed. I was told leaky valve 20 + years ago but has been worse lately. Am sure you have learnt about triggers and breathing techniques too.

[Felyiii in reply to Frootbat]

Let’s hope one day will get so used to this palpitations that won’t bother us! All the best!