Thick Mitral Valve / Palpitations

[MrsGiGi23]

Hi everyone!

I’m 30yrs old and have suffered palpitations for a number of years. These have been put down to non specific findings.

I also recently found out I have a really chubby mitral valve. However, it seems to work perfectly fine.

I take 12.5mg atenolol and have been placed on a treatment plan that I will receive an echo every 10 years to ensure my valve continues to function. 10 years seems long, and I naturally worry it’s too long for a review but I know this is normal anxiety.

I am new to the community so wanted to say hello

[SlothOnSpeed]

Not sure what you were diagnosed with. I have never heard of a chubby mitral valve. Sounds like something a doctor will say to a child.

Do you have a mitral valve prolapse? If yes, and there is no current issues, then its normally followed every 3 to 5 years. Unless you develop symptoms. Maybe different in different countries. Good luck.

[MrsGiGi23 in reply to SlothOnSpeed]

hello!

Thanks for your response.

It was a private cardiologist I seen, I was knocked back for full life cover with my mortgage as an NHS scan showed “mild inflammation of mitral valve leaflet”

I was referred back to NHS cardiologist but the waiting time is approximately 42 weeks where I am so I decided to go private. When they done the echo they said it wasn’t a normal size valve, they showed me the screen and it was much larger but it seems to be working okay. They checked for prolapse/ stenosis etc and said none of that was present. So I’m not sure what to take away from it or what exactly the diagnosis would be classed as.

When I try to get life cover insurers knock me back!

[SlothOnSpeed in reply to MrsGiGi23]

Wow, sorry to hear about the insurance. So you did not have endocarditis or such? Its a tough one. If it was less expensive I would probably get a second opinion, not because of the danger but more to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Let me know if you find anything out.

[DodgyTickerMum]

Hi, for future reference, - to put your mind at rest, you can self refer to see a cardiologist that works out of your local hospital, privately. They can organise an Echo, which if carried out at your local N.H.S hospital is charged at approx £225 currently, plus then the cost of seeing the Consultant for the results, together with an E.C.G, which they usually request before every appointment.

You can then refer back to the N.H.S hospital, if needed but, the Consultant will continue to oversee your care. Just a thought, if you’re financially able to and feel you’ve got lost on a waiting list.

[MrsGiGi23 in reply to DodgyTickerMum]

hello!

Thanks for your response.

It was a private cardiologist I seen, I was knocked back for full life cover with my mortgage as an NHS scan showed “mild inflammation of mitral valve leaflet”

I was referred back to NHS cardiologist but the waiting time is approximately 42 weeks where I am so I decided to go private. When they done the echo they said it wasn’t a normal size valve, they showed me the screen and it was much larger but it seems to be working okay. They checked for prolapse/ stenosis etc and said none of that was present. So I’m not sure what to take away from it or what exactly the diagnosis would be classed as.

When I try to get life cover insurers knock me back!

[DodgyTickerMum]

So frustrating for you, re the life insurance cover - but at least your valve is functioning normally at present. If the Cardiologist had any concerns at all, they would review you a lot sooner. As another reply mentioned, you could always seek a second opinion.

Ideally you need a letter from the Cardiologist detailing their findings, to be able to present to the Insurers, with a request that the matter is referred back to Underwriters for further consideration. Whilst Insurance Companies are looking to limit their risk at all times, if the Cardiologist has no concerns then neither should they!

Hope you get on ok.