Exercise with mitral regurgitation

[BlueDragonfly60]

Posting for my husband in his words as he doesn't do 'tech'.I am 66 , after two strokes I now have mitral valve regurgitation and a dilated left aorta. My consultant just gives me a list of results, no interpretation or discussion and treatment is to continue the medication, along with the healthy diet, low alcohol consumption and exercise. The medication is statins, blood pressure pills and aspirin. I have had a healthy diet since my first stroke. My question is exercise. I usually run 4-5 Miles three times a week ( a Papworth consultant put in my notes I ran 45 miles three times a week) .

As far as I can conclude, the regurgitation is causing the atrium dilation. I am very reluctant to stop running as it helps my mental health. I feel the running is going to increase the dilation What do you think? gps, and consultants just says listen to your body". I am worried my body will speak out and its too late.

[Ageingfast]

suggest you get advice from your GP or health professional. In the meantime, ease off a little and don’t push yourself. A good level of fitness will help if cardiology start treatment, so by all means run within your capabilities.

If you can not contact your health professionals, you could ring the BHF nurses.

Sooty

[Wooodsie]

Does he have a wearable? Watch or chest strap should help him to monitor his heart rate in real time. He should also work out what his max heart rate should be for his age (Google how) and make sure he doesn't go above this. My watch has a warning if I exceed my personal max. If he isn't tech savvy, get him a wheelchair 😂

[Vms49 in reply to Wooodsie]

Bit unkind !

[Wooodsie in reply to Vms49]

It was a motivational joke, hence the laughing emoji. Sorry if it offends you, wasn't meant to offend anybody.

[Vms49 in reply to Wooodsie]

I wasn’t offended but some people post because they feel vulnerable and are looking for help I’m new to this group and would hate a “ motivational” joke at my expense

[Mumthree]

hello . I have mitral regurgitation and a dilated left atrium . My consultant was very clear - moderate my exercise to avoid making it worse ( last year I cycled London to Paris in 4 days before I knew - he said do it in 8 days not 4 now !) So absolutely exercise but slow it down to maintain heartbeat at a not excessive level . Hope that helps - it’s hard to get clarity isn’t it?

[Deejay62]

Yes these consultants/cardiologist either don’t listen properly or whoever does the typing usually get it wrong. I have the same problem when giving them figures. I might say one week and my records say 10. That’s so annoying, things written in a report that you didn’t say. When you next see them get them to interpret their report so you can understand it. And write the interpretation down. You can also ask the BHF nurses to interpret things. They don’t know everything but they might be able to help you with most.