mitral valve regurgitation- 57 year old

[Mumthree]

hello - I have just been diagnosed and trying to get information or guidance on implications , progression or anything else ! It is mild to moderate currently

[Traveldreams]

I’m not going to be much help giving advice but I had the same diagnosis in February after a heart failure diagnosis in December. Told mine was very severe (had no inkling until December that I had any issues). Was told I would need urgent operation and it would be 3-6 months. Still waiting. I’m 55! (Was only just 54 at diagnosis).

I know initially they told me if I was at the mild stage it could be years or never before I needed an op.

Take care x

[Mumthree in reply to Traveldreams]

I very much hope all goes well x

[Mitchum]

I was diagnosed 30 + years ago and was monitored annually until it reached the moderate/severe stage twenty years ago, at which time I needed replacement surgery. My symptoms by then were breathlessness, tiredness and lethargy. The surgeon was hoping to repair it but couldn't so I had a mechanical valve as I was only 55 at the time. I also had a major arterial by-pass. Post surgery and within two months I felt and looked so much better and within four months was weight training! Obviously I experienced many different emotions and events which were/are the norm for this kind of surgery but today I am confident for my future. If you need advice or have any queries please to not hesitate to contact me using any method you like. In the meantime try not to worry too much. Regards.

[Mumthree in reply to Mitchum]

So important to hear from others - and such a welcome message. Thankyou

[Mitchum in reply to Mumthree]

I should have added, there is a possibility it will never reach the severe stage, in which case you'll not need surgery🙂!

[marypw]

Please try not to worry too much - mine has been mild to moderate for over 12 years. You should get ‘regular’ checks (much less regular than they used to be due to NHS issues!).

The only time mine has been an issue is when I needed surgery and I needed to get the ok from Cardiology.

[Mumthree in reply to marypw]

This forum is so useful . Everyone is right - it is hard not to worry but talking to people in the same position really helps - Thankyou

[Sav100]

Morning, I’m 50 no idea I was poorly until July 2022, had a small heart attack, was very lucky knew the symptoms called an ambulance and from them arriving to having a stent inserted was just over an hour, lucky because due to swift action I had no damage. 48 hours later just about to leave hospital and discovered I had server mitral valve. Was told for my area the waiting time for op was 3-5 months, it was completed 13 months later and I’m now 3 months out from surgery. My only tip is find a heart rehab class for support and exercise, I believe if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have recovered as fast as I did, being heart healthy is so important.

I’m lucky on one hand my mitral valve is fixed but i have now been told I have the start of heart failure, but that’s not going to stop me, back to the gym, regular dog walks and now plan for the future. Can’t wait for a holiday. Yes I get tired, but it’s about learning to manage it all. Having the diagnosis means you can plan and still have fun, my example is that I plan to climb the 02 next year, nothing major but for me it will be a big achievement. Take the meds, find an exercise you enjoy and change of diet as advised and your be ok. ❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️

[Dralex]

Like many others, about 10 years ago I was advised that I had mild to moderate MR. The doctors were not at all concerned at the time, telling me that if the situation deteriorated they would simply repair or replace the valve.

I am pleased to report that after a stress echo earlier this year, my heart condition is still considered "mild to moderate". Hopefully you are in a similar position as me, whereby you can carry on as normal, and almost forget about it.

[Yumz199725]

My condition is moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and moderate stenosis but I'm stable so don't require surgery at the moment. I have an echo scan every year and now I will have a cardio stress test every 2 years. I go to the gym but only do cardio exercise, would love to lift weights but not allowed due to leaky valve. Have you had a recent echo??

[Mumthree in reply to Yumz199725]

I have . And they are also going to do a 24 hour holter .

[Yumz199725 in reply to Mumthree]

Ahh ok is it a routine one or is it for some symptoms your having??

[Mumthree in reply to Yumz199725]

Just to check - I think they are being very good and checking literally everything 😂

[Yumz199725 in reply to Mumthree]

Ahh that's good there checking everything x 😅

[SuperFluff]

Hello! Another mitral valve person here. I'm 57 and was diagnosed over 3 years ago. Initially it was mild to moderate. Then, three years later it was moderate. With regard to progression, everyone is different, that is why regular monitoring is required. I looked long and hard on the internet for progression info and that is the consensus - could take a couple of years, could take decades... Tend to operate once at severe stage and symptomatic (shortness of breath, particularly). Apparently I have had the problem from childhood as a result of having rheumatic fever, which was news to me!The diagnosis knocked me for six and it took me about a year to get my head around it as I thought I had done all the right heart healthy things... Anyway, I will need surgery in the future. But as my cardiologist says, it is a routine op, which millions of people worldwide go through. Good luck on your journey x

[Mumthree in reply to SuperFluff]

It’s rather knocked me for six - and I am very fit ( run marathons !) never smoked , definitely not overweight, healthy diet . But you are right - surprisingly common ! I hope all goes well for you

[_HelloWorld_]

Hiya - I was diagnosed with moderate MV regurgitation about 10 years ago. I was monitored by Echo every 6 months until eventually they decided it had reached the severe category about 6 months ago (although I was still pretty much free of symptoms). I had MV repair surgery 10 days ago(!) which went well.

I'd try not to worry about things - it is great that you are aware of the problem and are being correctly monitored. If it gets to the stage where you need it corrected then you'll have that sorted before it starts causing more severe effects on your heart. Good luck - and any questions - just ask.

[_HelloWorld_ in reply to _HelloWorld_]

ps - I just saw from your other posts that we have the same surgeon!

[Mumthree in reply to _HelloWorld_]

Lovely to hear . I am so glad your surgery went well . I have a dilated left atrium which I also stress about and Professor Ascione told me to moderate my exercise 😂. So I’m doing as I’m told . This forum is so so useful . Thankyou for responding