Mitral Valve Regurgitation.

[PhyllisK]

I am 79 years old and am fairly active. I have a history of Atrial Fibrillation with 3 ablations. The last ablation was in 2019 and with the help of rate control drugs I have remained comfortable. I have now been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Regurgitation. I am old, I have a weakened heart and I tend to get breathless and weak on exertion . Can I live with the Mitral Valve problem without having any symptoms ?

[Anon2023]

hi. I didn’t have any symptoms until my mitral valve regurgitation was severe and even then it was just occasional palpitations and breathlessness when exercising. When they diagnosed me with heart problems I couldn’t believe it. Have they told you whether it’s mild, moderate or severe? X

[PhyllisK in reply to Anon2023]

Thank you for your reply. I had an Echocardiogram as a general checkup and it was discovered then. The doctor seemed to dismiss it as a mild condition and we really didn’t discuss any possible problems. I find now that my energy levels are a little prone to dropping more often now but I didn’t want to get paranoid about the Mitral valve problem.

[Anon2023 in reply to PhyllisK]

hi. From what I understand they don’t tend to carry out surgery unless it’s severe. Mild and moderate regurgitation may never progress to severe. It’s certainly worth asking to see the cardiology team to discuss any symptoms you may be having and see what they can offer. I hope that everything works out well for you xx

[PhyllisK]

Thank you. It’s good to know that I may be symptomless. Stay safe.

[BeeBee79]

I was told I had mild mitral valve regurgitation when I was 25 and I’m now 43. I’ve had barely any symptoms although it’s now progressed to moderate but they think it’s progressed bc of my AF. Still no problems with it

[Blindbeggar83 in reply to BeeBee79]

Hi, can I ask how your condition is? I’ve just been diagnosed with mitral regurgitation and still trying to find out what to expect furthermore down the line. Thanks.

[BeeBee79 in reply to Blindbeggar83]

Hi there,

I’ve barely noticed my MV as it’s been asymptomatic aside from a tendency to faint but it may just be me as I get lightheaded looking at injuries on tv.

Fast forward 29 years from diagnosis and I’ve just had surgery to repair as it’s has progressed from minor to moderate. They wouldn’t have touched it but were going in for something else and decided to fix it whilst they were there as they seemed to think I maybe severe in next 10 years.

If it’s not causing you any bother, then you can live a normal life and just keep a watchful eye. I was never monitored during the time it was minor and development of other issues. Sometimes these are picked up and we could have gone on completely unaware. Hopefully you will stay in a good, healthy state 🤞🤞

[PhyllisK]

Thank you for reply. It’s amazing how comforting it is to know that I need not become paranoid about a mild mitral valve condition.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to PhyllisK]

Not at all I had mine 46 years lol 😂. Got Mechanical Valves now though

[PhyllisK in reply to ParrotLover22]

👍

[marypw]

I’ve had a mild to moderately leaky mitral valve for at least 12 years with no symptoms. On my last echo it had actually improved a bit, so please don’t worry about it. Best wishes.

[PhyllisK]

That is so reassuring, thank you. It is so easy to become paranoid about the heart. Best wishes to you too.

[Art-99]

During a routine health check 4 years ago, which included an ECG I was found to have severe arrhythmia subsequently a leaky mitral valve was diagnosed. I’d had no symptoms other than occasional palpitations. I was immediately placed on anti coagulants and my condition monitored regularly, the valve was replaced two and a half years ago. I am sure if a condition can be managed without surgery but monitored regularly , then that has to be the best option. I wish you well , everyone is different so discuss any worries or concerns with your doctor.

[VeeWat in reply to Art-99]

how are you now?

What valve is best? Porcine or mechanical?

[Art-99 in reply to VeeWat]

I feel pretty much back to normal but as I’ve said I hadn’t really experienced any symptoms prior to diagnosis. I am still not sure what type of replacement valve was used, my cardiologist said ‘synthetic biological’ which is a bit of a contradiction; however as this is a Greek speaking country (Cyprus) things get lost in translation. I think it was probably a tissue valve, I still take anti coagulants but I believe this relates to my arrhythmia. The only other medication I’m taking is Ezetrol to control cholesterol. I hope my comments are helpful.

[VeeWat in reply to Art-99]

Yes, thank you!

[PhyllisK]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post. I have found it to be very helpful. Best wishes.

[Silvertail]

it depends on the severity. I’ve had moderate mitral regurgitation since 2012 but it has never worsened. This is only one of my cardiac problems. Medication has helped me to become stable except when I’ve had an episode of takotsubo CM. I’m also your age. Hopefully your mitral valve regurgitation isn’t too severe.

[PhyllisK]

Thank you, I guess medical history, and age becomes a factor in the quality of life. I am happily reassured that my mitral valve regurgitation is manageable. Thank you once again. Stay safe.