Leaky heart valves

[Precious_life]

Just received the news I have a two leaky heart valves and it's just a trace but reading these post's they are reassuring me despite the anxiety I'm feeling my valves are mitral and tripuscop probably spelt that wrong I've suffered from high blood pressure for two years but no one is listening and I really think BP contributes to this medical problem I could be wrong

[Yumz199725]

That's alot to take in especially it being two leaky valves. Did they tell you what degree there leaking as theres mild, moderate, severe and critical, mine is my aortic valve which is bicuspid and moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and moderate stenosis so will eventually need valve replacement surgery. I also have a leak in my mitral and tricuspid which is fine they don't seem to be concerned with that. Are you under a specialist? Do you get seen every year? Sorry for all the questions x wish you all the best and if you have any questions feel free to message me 😉🙃.

[Purpleretriever in reply to Yumz199725]

Hi I got diagnosed with a moderate Aortic Heart Valve in 21 at the age of 48 and it’s stable but I will need a mechanical replacement valve which is open heart surgery which is really scary and I got diagnosed as well with a grade 2 heart murmur

[Mitchum in reply to Purpleretriever]

There is a possibility that the valve might not worsen but, if you do need surgery, it's advisable to prepare by looking after your fitness, weight and mental strength. They will all help to make recovery quicker and better. I knew I might need surgery for many years before I actually had it but lived life normally. You will start to know if/when you need it because your fitness will show it. When or if it happens, come on this site and you will receive all the help, advice and encouragement you need! Good luck.

[Purpleretriever in reply to Mitchum]

Thanks I’ve been told at some point I will need it replacing but the older my age the better as it can only be done once. Unfortunately I’ve got a number of other Chronic health conditions such as Moderate Emphysema, COPD, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Migraines and Depression and an eating disorder. Unfortunately due to my Multifactorial Breathlessness and Chronic Pain and Muscle Spasms etc it does prevent me from doing a lot of exercise but thanks

[Beanlover in reply to Purpleretriever]

My husband has a leaky aortic valve which was diagnosed as a result of a preopp assessment for his hip replacement.He has had echocardiograms, an MRI scan and an angiogram, and has seen a surgeon aswell as a cardiologist. Conclusion was that his heart was working well, he doesn't get breathless, but the valve would need replacing, and with open heart surgery.. There is a point when it can be past replacing . All his other arteries are clear. He is now on a waiting list which they say will be 6-7 mths.We are not looking forward to open heart surgery, as I am sure you aren't but it is something they do frequently, and it does seem important to have it done before it gets beyond operating on. He was reassured by his appt with the surgeon.

[Purpleretriever in reply to Beanlover]

Thanks for your reply and I’d apparently been diagnosed in October 2015 with a Mild Aortic Leaky Valve when I had Fluid on my lung but I was meant to be referred to Cardiology then. It was discovered by having an Echocardiogram requested by Respiratory in October 20 and at that point it was Moderate to Severe. However when I had another echocardiogram in March 21 which confirmed it was Moderate and I had a BNP blood test which showed it was stable. I have been having yearly echocardiograms and it’s continued to be stable and after my last echocardiogram in April 2023 and my next one is in 2025.

I know I’m dreading when the time comes for my open heart surgery as they stop your heart as part of the operation. I hope all goes well with your husband and please keep me updated xx

[Beanlover in reply to Purpleretriever]

Thank you for your reply. My brother has had a leaky valve for years and is monitored by yearly echocardiograms. My husband really hasn't had any tests or pre opps, and waited 3 yrs for his hip replacement. so it has all been a bit sudden. They describe him as asymptomatic, as his heart seem to work well, though the valve is now severe.I say thank god for preopps. I had one before a minor bowel op and they discovered a heart issue which has now entailed me increasing my medication levels from 3 to 7. Mine is more mild heart failure so not likely to lead to an op.

It can be worrying if you think about the future, but I would get on with your life as much as you can. Dealing with heart issues seems to improve all the time, and as I say, they do a lot of them as routine. It's just when you apply it to yourself that you worry.I have two friends who have had all sorts of heart issues, but just say that they are going to live life, as long as they can.

I hope you can not worry too much, and enjoy life. xx

[Mitchum]

I had a monitored leaky mitral valve for many years before I needed surgery but it was, like I say, monitored with ECG scans annually. You could ask your GP about this.