mitrial regurgitation

[Blindbeggar83]

hi, I’m 41yo male.

Been diagnosing with mitrial regurgitation. I gather it’s early, haven’t been prescribed any medication as yet, but referred to cardiology.

any info/ advice would be greatly appreciated

rob

[PadThaiNoodles]

I was a year or two younger when diagnosed. Mine was due to degenerative valve disease. Mine progressed quite slowly, taking over 20 years to reach severe regurgitation with LVH (which are the surgical intervention indicators for asymptomatic patients). During that time I had yearly echos with the odd MRI and blood tests thrown in.

I had open heart surgery in September to repair my mitral valve and replace my aortic valve.

There can be a lot of variance, though. My sister went only 2 years between diagnosis and surgery.

[Blindbeggar83 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

I assume mitrial valve replacement is a serious surgery?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Blindbeggar83]

Yes, although they usually repair the mitral valve. The aortic valve is more commonly replaced.

[Blindbeggar83 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Can I ask how long you was in hospital for?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Blindbeggar83]

It's normally 7 or 8 days. Because I got a mechanical replacement valve I had to go on warfarin, which I turn out to be quite sensitive too. So I ended up being in for 11 days, with the last 3 or 4 just adjusting my warfarin dosage to get my INR (clotting time) in the appropriate range.

[Skiffrower]

I think PadThai , has summed it up very well. By the time my leaky mitral valve was identified it was 40% , it's probably better that they have identified it early and are starting a watching brief.

[Mumthree]

hello . I am a super fit 58 year old and diagnosed in Nov 23 by chance with mitral valve regurgitation ( no symptoms ) . After panicking like mad I now know it’s a waiting game . I have 6 monthly echos which shows that there is some progression in hypertrophy but as my Dr daughter told me - it’s a chronic disease so of course it progresses! Honestly best advice is - eat healthily , exercise appropriately and avoid anticipating . This forum really helps .

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Mumthree]

Yes, avoiding anticipating is very sound advice.

The first time my cardiologist referred me to a surgeon I figured "it's time" and got all mentally prepared for it. When the surgeon advised "it's not time yet" I was gutted. I think it was 8 or 9 years later that I was referred to my surgeon again, and he said "yep, it's time".

[Blindbeggar83]

something I’m struggling to get my head round. I’ve hardly drank in 5 years, I don’t smoke, I eat reasonably well, even if I eat too much steak.

So basically my symptoms could progress slowly over a 20 years or worse case I could be in hospital in 5.

Is this actually a heart disease?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Blindbeggar83]

If it's myxomatous degenerative valve disease (which is what I have), then it's actually a connective tissue disorder that happens to be affecting the heart valves. Your lifestyle will help your heart otherwise stay healthy (which can help greatly when the valves aren't in perfect order), but I don't think it will affect the progression of the valves themselves.

[Blindbeggar83]

can I ask is there a difference between regurgitation and prolapse?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Blindbeggar83]

The valve is made of three leaflets which meet in the middle when the valve closes. Prolapse is where one (or more) of the leaflets have grown too floppy or too large and so they overlap a little with the other leaflets, preventing them from closing properly.

Regurgitation is when blood leaks back through the valve when it's supposed to be closed. It's often caused by the aforementioned prolapse, but not always. Mild/moderate/severe regurgitation refers to how much blood leaks back when the heart squeezes.

[catherine1712]

i suffer from mitral regurgitation stage 3. The only medication prescribed is beta blockers. Every six-monthly echocardiogram test and the option of heart surgery.

[Blindbeggar83 in reply to catherine1712]

Have you had this a long time?

[Knavesmire27]

Hi, it is likely the next thing will be an Echo, if you haven't already had one (basically like a scan of your heart) non invasive so they can get a better picture. You may also be sent for a T O E, basically where they do a more exploratory exam of your heart. This does involve a very small camera down your throat, a bit uncomfortable but it it is soon over. And they do give you a mild sedative. It sounds like it is only mild to moderate currently and it may stay that for a long time. They will simply monitor it every 3 to 6 months. You may not even need any medication. These exams will be followed up with an appointment with your consultant so maybe you can prepare some questions you would like to ask. Hopefully that will put your mind at rest a bit. Good luck

[Blindbeggar83 in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated.

[Motorman]

I have two valves that are leaking ( re gurgitating) I think mitral and another. Diagnosed 20 years ago, yearly ECG and medication. Still no symptoms, apart from occasional "palpitations" and not sure if they are related. Just make sure you have the check ups every 6 ro 12 months. Sometimes they can get overlooked.

[Hidden]

Hi, I'm a similar case. Someone noticed I had a heart murmur when I was 55, no other symptoms, diagnosed as a mitral prolapse after an echo-cardiogram. I was a fairly heavy duty cyclist, cardiologist said keep going. Annual echoes showed no deterioration, and continued to have no symptoms and no medication. One of the cardiologists described it as congenital.

Officially it is called valvular heart disease, though it's not something I caught. The prolapse description means that one or both of the valve leaflets are somewhat floppy, which usually results in regurgitation (back-flow when the valve is supposed to be closed) - this can cause some breathlessness or arrhythmia but apart from a few missed beats I didn't notice anything, and I could still get up the hills on my bike same as ever. I was described as moderate to severe regurgitation.

After 10 years I had a new cardiologist and he said that it wasn't urgent, but my left ventricle was starting to dilate and I was classed as severe MVR and that sooner or later I was going to need surgery, so why leave it. Still no symptoms. I had been very anxious and depressed when first diagnosed but after that passage of time I had got used to the idea, so when I finally went into hospital I was ok with it.

They try to repair rather than replace because it has a better outcome, it's very safe - I was quoted a 1 in 200 mortality. I was found suitable for a "mini mitral" which is minimally invasive and supposed to get you back to work quicker as there is no cutting down the middle of your chest, but it was a long operation and didn't seem that mini to me! Think I spent 10 days in hospital, they didn't rush me and actually I would say stay as long as you can.

[Blindbeggar83]

thank you for all your replies. Much appreciated. Still trying to get my head round it all, but it’s reassuring to know I’m not on my own. X

[Blindbeggar83]

one final question just so I know where I stand, I hope they’ve caught this early, if that is the case, is this something that was still takes years off me?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Blindbeggar83]

They've definitely caught it early. Late is when you end up on the operating table more or less immediately.

But even if late, a successful repair can restore your life expectancy.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/314...

[Blindbeggar83]

I don’t know if it’s part of the diagnosis or not or just my imagination , but I swear I can feel some kind of gurgling sensation in my chest that I didn’t have before. Like a fluttering?

[Knavesmire27]

I think when given any diagnosis like this our brains go into overdrive and any sensation becomes highlighted and I suppose more intense. I honestly don't know if this is the case or not but stress can be a huge factor on your heart and this could be contributing to the sensations you are feeling. It sounds like your "fight or flight" mode has kicked in and your body thinks it is helping by making you aware of all these sensations. This is very real and potent and something I struggle with so do know the feeling. Also remember your esophagus is very close to your heart and so if all this stress is affecting your tummy and eating habits then this could also be making these sensations worse. I don't know if this helps but wanted to pass it on.

[Blindbeggar83]

is there a slightest chance as this is caught early, that the murmur itself can go on its own, ie through exercise?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Blindbeggar83]

Sadly, no.

If it was caused by rheumatic fever then it might never get any worse. Degenerative valve disease, on the other hand, continues to degenerate. My cardiologist told me some 10 years ago that it was only a matter of when I'd need surgery, not if.

[Blindbeggar83]

saw my gp last week to get the lowdown on my echo. So my m.r is mild to moderate,

Yet i wouldn’t say I’m symptomatic. I told my doc for the last 3-6 months I’ve been getting very lethargic and even when I wake up I feel knackered.

I’ve been feeling short of breath but out that down to very mild asthma- I’ve never needed an inhaler.

I’ve had a constant cough for over a month, not too worried as my missus has the exact same cough- just can’t seem to shift it.

At what stage is medication required?

There was also a 18 point drop in my bp sitting to standing.

I’ve tried light exercising but get tired really quickly. I never thought I’d end up so unhealthy.