Leaking heart valves.

[Pianoroll]

Both lower chambers of my heart are enlarged, blood leaking from both upper chambers. I have a pacemaker and have had an ablation, I am an 85yr. old female waiting for appointment with cardiologist after an echo yesterday. Any advice or comments on how to proceed until I have my consultation would be gratefully received. Thank you.

[10gingercats]

I am a nearly 83 female with a severely leaking tricuspid vale .Others ok.I have had the leaking valve for many years. Surgery is not realy an optial for a leaky tricuspid valve even with a minimal procedure (not open heart surgery) technique . It probably worsened recently and Afib palpitations do not help. This was all attended to recently and now I am on meds.which have stopped the palps. but do not help the valve. Only surgery can help with that.One thing to remember that is very important is to not have any fluid in your lungs or around the heart as it compromises the function and pumping of the heart.My ankles were swollen for a long time and my GP did not head this.GPs do not generally know much about hearts so you need the support of your cardiologist and their heart nurses.Medication got rid of the fluid around my heart and from my lungs .I am now on two meds. to stop it returning or acumilating again plus Bisoprolol. But you may be prescribed Digoxin which does not suit everyona. I had to stop it as it made me worse.I also take Apixaban. All this happened to me recently so do ask if you think I can fill you in with anything.

[Pianoroll in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you for your helpful reply. Ihave had a pacemaker fitted and an ablation to help sort out my AF , I also take Apixaban and have just had my dose of Furosemide increased to 40mg as apparently my BNP level ( whatever that is exactly) is extremely high. I am now waiting to see my cardiologist but I don’t think surgery is an option for me, as the leaking is , as far as I understand it, between the upper and lower chambers inside the heart. I’ve not expressed that very well but I’m sure you’ll know what I mean. ! I know , like you, I can’t take Digoxin, it made me worse too. !! I must confess to feeling a little bit down at the moment as I was hoping to try to do a little bit of walking and now I don’t know if that’s a wise thing to do. Ah well. I hope you keep well and make good progress. Take care and thank you.

[10gingercats in reply to Pianoroll]

Walking is good for you.Not a 10 mile hike but a couple of miles a day for a few days every week I have been told. I also exercise via a You Tube link.....seated boxing and stretching.Sometimes I do 'restrained' dancing which activates the lower body .....only for 6/7 mins.

[Pianoroll in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks again. On my way to the dentist now. I’m having a really fun packed week. !!