Heart Valve disease 3 valves Mitral Tricuspid Pulmonary

[Athena1969]

Hi everyone I am new to this channel, I had a recent echocardiogram, and was shocked to learn I have mild valve regurgitation on three valves. I am very frightened by this news, does anyone have any experience of this.

[Happyrosie]

you may well receive posts but in the meantime if you put he search term “valve (plus which valve it is)” into the search box top left of this page, and on the right filter “my communities” you will find a selection of posts which might help.

[Athena1969 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks so much Happyrosie

[PadThaiNoodles]

Did they mention "degenerative" valve disease? That's what I have, and it causes the valves to regurgitate more and more over time. However, progression can be very slow. It took 15 years for my mitral valve to go from mild to severe, and another 5 before needing surgery.

On the other hand, it can also be congenital or the result of a previous infection. In those cases it won't necessarily get worse and require treatment.

[Athena1969 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thanks so much PadThaiNoodles they haven’t actually said. The Mitral, Tricuspid, Pulmonary valves are affected. I’m finding it extremely difficult to comes to terms with and yet a bit of ashamed at the same time after looking at other people’s experiences. I am 55, I only found out last Monday, anxiety has completely got a grip of me scared anything could happen at anytime, is that how you felt when you found out. How old were you. Thanks so much for making contact, I really do appreciate it.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Athena1969]

I was 40 when I found out, and 60 when I had surgery. Mine was mitral and aortic (they repaired the former and replaced the latter with a mechanical valve).

I found out when my sister had surgery (ours is hereditary), so I knew from the get go that it was imminently survivable. At the beginning I was expecting to go under the knife more or less soon, so it was hard when the surgeon kept saying “not yet”. But after a few years you just sort of shrug and get on with it. By my 50s I was totally blasé about it (which is something, coming from someone with major depressive disorder).

Keep strong. It is definitely something you can get through.

[Athena1969 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thanks so much PadThaiNoodles for sharing with me, I can’t tell you what comfort it brings, having some really dark days at the moment, feel ashamed I can’t seem to get a grip of my anxiety and the shock of it all. Your journey gives me such hope though thanks so much x

[Knavesmire27]

Hello, I can totally understand how you feel. Amongst other things I had mitral valve regurgitation (from a childhood illness). I knew nothing of this though until I had pneumonia about 3 years ago. So had lived with it without knowing for many years. I am in my early 60's. I had a mechanical valve fitted late last year and the care and treatment received has been outstanding. To be honest, finding out was a huge wake up call for me and I have lost 5 stone and now walk every single day. I know it's not easy but try to just get on with your life each day. If it is currently mild they will keep you monitored, and you may not need surgery for quite some time. However if you do need surgery, please know you will get the best care possible and it doesn't stop there. There will be follow up appts as well. Know you have a whole community here who will support you and be there for you and you can also reach out to BHF. They will offer you support as well. Good luck and take care.

[Athena1969 in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thank you so much for your very kind message, it made me cry. This forum is already proving to be such a comfort. I am single mum and carer for my 85 year old mum so, so the worry of not being there for them has made my worry go into overdrive. Your message and the other kind people that have posted has brought me such comfort I can’t begin to thank you all. It made me realise there is hope, I am overweight I’ve lost 17lbs in 5 weeks and have another 3 to go. Thank you so so much xxx I may very well get some sleep tonight xx

[JHutton1994]

I also got told I had this. No one seemed concerned by it at all.

[Athena1969 in reply to JHutton1994]

Thank you so much JHutton94 x

[Yumz199725]

Ah can imagine how daunting that can be for you. I have congenital heart disease so I have had heart valve disease all my life and I'm 27 now. I have bicuspid aortic valve significant aortic stenosis and moderate to severe aortic regurgitation. And will need major heart surgery to replace the valve at some point. This is a really good place to talk to people going through the same thing as you if you wanna talk some more just message me x wish you all the best with the start of your heart valve journey, it's not something anyone wants to be on but it's something you never have to do alone. ❤️

[Athena1969 in reply to Yumz199725]

I honestly can’t get over these messages thank you so much Yumz199725 and your kind offer to reach out. Seeing people’s journeys and how courageously they are embraced by each person, is so inspirational, the human spirit is truly amazing. Thank you so much xxx what an amazing brave young lady you are x

[Ersilia2]

I was diagnosed about 10yrs ago with three leaky valves, mild regurgitation and an enlarged aorta .I was told not to worry but get checked every one or two years

[Athena1969 in reply to Ersilia2]

Thanks so much Ersilia2 for getting in contact really appreciate that, gives me such comfort x

[TriathlonAndy]

I got diagnosed with moderate mitral valve regurgitation six years ago., when I was 52 My cardiac specialist nurse did a good deal of research because at that stage I was competing internationally in Age Group Triathlon events. I was cleared to continue to train and race hard and had no direct symptoms. I get monitored annually and so far it’s not got worse. At 56 ,I had an NSTEMI due to a separate narrowed artery issue and they fitted a stent (genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease). However, the cardiologist cleared me to return to active Triathlon. This all knocked my confidence, but I’ve sought and listened to the medical advice and the valve issue has not given me any issues so far.

[Athena1969 in reply to TriathlonAndy]

Hi TriathlonAndy thanks so much for sharing your journey, wow you’re still competing as well. Really appreciate your support thank you.

[Sonny657]

Hi Athena 👋At the start when you hear technical terms about your own body, you panic. That's just a normal human reaction. But honestly, I've learned that anything 'mild' means you've got time to process things and turn things around. Mild stenosis of a valve be it aortic or pulmonary is fairly common and generally nothing to be concerned over. My friend had 80% of his coronary arteries blocked (severe stenosis) and after a heart attack he had to have a triple bypass. This is probably a little nudge and wake up call for you to live more healthily, check your diet and definitely not smoke or drink. Life is precious, it's all we've got and it needs to be treated with respect. The rest is up to us really.

You'll be fine, I'm sure 👍

[Athena1969 in reply to Sonny657]

Thanks so much for your message Sonny657 everything you say absolutely on point, life is so precious and should be treated with respect. It’s been only a week since I discovered this and you are right a whirlwind of emotions, everyone’s kind messages is massively helping me reposition this in my head. Thank you so much for taking the time to make contact k really appreciate it.

[Sonny657 in reply to Athena1969]

You're welcome Athena. Keep your chin up. Sometimes it's the worry that kills you when physically, you'll be just fine. Look after yourself Athena... literally 👍

[resistancewasfutile]

Do you know what your ejection fraction is? Whether you have a reduced or preserved ejection fraction, has different pathways of treatment. I have found that reading the leading international cardiology guidelines offers insight into where doctor's thinking comes from and I've been able to learn about my own condition, causes and develop treatment plans to improve heart health.

ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161...

Always remember, it's your heart. Question everything and if your symptomatic, make a fuss. I hope your cardiologist is kind and educates you so that you're empowered to make joint decisions about your treatment plan ahead. ❤️‍🩹

[Athena1969 in reply to resistancewasfutile]

Hi resistancewasfutile i don’t even know where to start so I contacted the heart foundation yesterday and spoke to a wonderful cardiac nurse. I do have a lovely cardiologist a very kind man, but I my the start of my journey so lots to learn. When you say symptomatic it’s that what I’m struggling with really. I suffer badly with anxiety and it’s really hard to distinguish are you having an episode or is it anxiety, it’s really muddying the waters for me then I panic even more. I am getting heart flutters what I call everyday but is it the regurg or anxiety, my heart will just start racing it frightens the life out of me. I will definitely keep asking the questions. Thanks so much for making contact.

[resistancewasfutile in reply to Athena1969]

Yeah, there's so much information out there and it's not something you can learn over night. To be a cardiologist, they have to study for 14 years + and are still learning. Each person's problem is a new variation of what they know, that's why it's so important that the relationship between patients and cardiologist should be one of kindness and supportive learning. Part of their job is to teach you about your condition so you can make informed choices in your health plan.

By symptomatic I mean, everything that makes you feel less than yourself. Palpitations, pain or a heaviness, dizziness and presyncope (feeling like you're about to fall but don't), seeing stars, brain fog, shortness of breath.

Anxiety can be a right b'stard, so I recommend avoiding caffeine and alcohol. The latter is usually the culprit when it comes to sinus node dysfunction. Herbal and fruit teas are great, but limit licorice tea.

Hope this helps.

[Athena1969 in reply to resistancewasfutile]

Thanks so much for the info, diet and what I can and can’t do is already on my agenda. So much to take in but all the messages and guidance is invaluable thanks so much x

[nilmonisikdar40]

Hi there, I have never heard of all the three valves being affected by regurgitation. Thanks God, your aortic valve which is a important valve is okay. If there is any consolation the mitral valve is the most important because it is the one which opens and closes when left atrium pumps the good blood to left ventricle which pumps the good blood to different parts of the body. I think the cardiologist will focus on the mitral valve, Hope this small advice helps. Regards

[Athena1969 in reply to nilmonisikdar40]

Thanks so much, to be honest it’s that which has sent me into a blind panic a lot of people talk about 1 or 2 but having three do you think that puts at a really high risk.

[Digger0]

Welcpme to the forum. I can't help with the valves but i know the feeling when I was told I had a congenital hole in my heart at 69! Idid not use Dr Google (your worst enemy) but got lots of info from here and the British Heart website. I had my hole patched in 2022 and and now as good as new - apart from old age!

[Athena1969 in reply to Digger0]

So glad to hear you are sorted with your heart thanks so much for sharing x

[MPort]

Hi I have had mild aortic valve issues for about 20 years. Last autumn the mitral valve showed very severe regurgitation. I had the internal scan the TOE which meant I had open heart surgery late January to repair mitral and tricuspid valves with rings. But they left the mild to moderate aortic valve be apart from doing 2 small bypasses close to it. You have got great advice above which I am learning from too. The surgeon said it was better to leave aortic valve in its present state. So I think the more you research you do will help reassure you. And stress is not helpful to the heart as I keep reminding myself.

[Athena1969 in reply to MPort]

Thanks so much for sharing, all these messages have been invaluable to me and really helps knowing your not alone. I’ve been to doctor about my stress because it’s literally been off the scale, first time in my life I have been experiencing full blown panic attacks, which I know isn’t good for my heart, they won’t prescribe me anything to help so just been trying to muddle through, I have felt so isolated until coming on here, I hope your on the mend wishing you a speedy recovery 😊

[Carrotcakemad]

I was diagnosed with mild AR a few years ago which has now developed to severe. Yes, it's very scary at the beginning but once you go through the care and assurance of the medical team, the anxiety is reduced. I have a 5 - 8 months wait for surgery. I have accepted how my life has changed: I can't exercise as much as I did and unable to work. I am comfort eating which is not a good thing as I have to be in good health before surgery. As for your mild valve regurgitation, no need to worry as I learnt the deterioration takes long and you may be lucky not to require any surgery. Good luck.

[Athena1969 in reply to Carrotcakemad]

Thanks so much for messaging Carrotcakemad is AR regurgitation of the Aotic valve that sounds like it progressed quickly over a few years. I hope you get your surgery soon x

[Carrotcakemad in reply to Athena1969]

Thank you Athena1969. You sound very kind 😃. I'm happy to say I received a letter to attend a pre-op assessment on a few days. The cardio team must have worked out I cannot wait that long while the symptoms are attacking me on a daily basis. As I am facing the reality of my life changing, the anxiety has kicked in and I am struggling to sleep 😭. I thought I need some counselling but this group seems to be doing a great job with their helpful posts. Every day we spend is a bonus 🙏. Happy life to everyone 💃.

[BobsBeat]

Trace or mild valve regurgitation is an extremely common finding as a person enters their late 50's. Most times nothing is done except periodic monitoring to see if it advances to moderate or severe.

It's important to evaluate (and discuss with your provider) the "entire" Echo for good structure. What was your different chamber sizes, Ejection Fraction, Pulmonary Pressure reading, Diastolic numbers, etc.? Common things like sleep apnea and high blood pressure can add to mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valve issues as well as atrial enlargement.

If all that was mentioned in the Echo summary was mild valve regurgitation, I would not get overly worked up about it, but would also want to know all the pieces of my Echo and overall health checkup.

[Athena1969 in reply to BobsBeat]

You’re absolutely right, to be honest the report goes straight over my head lots of measurements and figures, not really had it explained by the doctor, but I will push for this thank you.

[SuperFluff]

Hi Athena1969. İ have 3 leaking valves - Mitral, Tricuspid and Aortic. İ found out 5 years ago at 53 that my mitral valve was leaking. İ was told it was more mild than moderate. İt was apparently as a result of having had rheumatic fever as a child - which was news to me. İ was totally devastated to learn that I had a heart problem. İt took me ages to come to terms with it. My next echo was 3 years later. Told that I also had a mildly leaking Tricuspid valve and pulmonary hypertension too. Last year's echo added a mildly leaking aortic valve. Needless to say İ don't really want to go to this year's! İt is so upsetting having to deal with this. As people say, mild is not to be worried about but that is easier said than done. İt is quite normal to be devastated and cry your eyes out when you find out! Speaking from experience, getting upset doesn't really help though. İt just wastes your life! Focus on exercise, healthy eating and looking after yourself. İt also makes you realise what is important in your life and to get any dreams fulfilled. Everyone is different and your valves could stay at mild. Valve disease normally progresses very slowly anyway. Also, you can still fly to the other side of the world with three mildly leaking valves so it is not really restrictive. Sending best wishes x

[Athena1969 in reply to SuperFluff]

Thanks so much for your message, that is how I feel devastated and fearful for what the future will bring. But everyone including yourself sharing their stories is just so amazing, I don’t think i have ever felt so lonely in all my life, but this has helped so much. I’m on my own with my daughter and of course don’t want to share everything then I’m a carer for my 85 year old mum. When I found out I was beside myself who will look after them. But all these messages have give me hope that this can be managed and I can still have a life. What are your next steps SuperFluff is it still just being monitored with the three are you still mild have they put you on any meds. Do you get any symptoms with mild. Thanks so much x

[SuperFluff in reply to Athena1969]

İt is normal to be devastated, you have had a huge shock. İt is normal to be fearful of what the future holds too. İ am, as this diagnosis is not what I wanted (understatement!). But you have to stop it affecting your everyday life, which is easier said than done... I enjoy the health you have now. My only symptom is getting swollen ankles and stiff legs if I don't exercise. Some people have no symptoms even when severe. İ was put on half a beta blocker and mini aspirin a day. İ also take a couple of B12 tablets and vitamin D tablets a week. My blood test showed İ was short of B12 and the cardiologist wanted me to keep my vitamin D levels up. Everyone is different. I have yearly blood tests too. My tricuspid and aortic regurgitation is mild. My mitral regurgitation went up to moderate but it currently back to mild to moderate. İ think increasing my exercise helped. İ am due another echo soon. İ anticipate being monitored for the next few years. İ know İ will need an operation in the future. Please don't feel lonely. Everyone here is in the same boat. There is so much advice on the forum too along with inspirational stories. İt is going to take a while to get your head round your diagnosis. Cry till you get sick of crying! Be kind to yourself. However, they will monitor you and it normally takes years to progress to severe. And if you need surgery in the future, then you are going to be around even longer. Also if you have any questions, the cardiac nurses on the BHF helpline are very supportive. Your daughter and your mum will have you for years to come. It is just going to take time to get your head round it all. All the best x

[Athena1969 in reply to SuperFluff]

Thanks so much for messaging back, that just made me cry, your words are such a comfort to me, I really appreciate it❤️ thank your for giving me hope. Sorry I’m picking your brains again is there any no nos with food, drinks, alcohol, vitamins. Really struggling to eat at the moment because I constantly having a churning stomach and anxiety but working on it x

[SuperFluff in reply to Athena1969]

My cardiologist just said to go easy on salty foods and limit alcohol. I tend to eat a healthy diet anyway - cooking from scratch rather than eating processed stuff - lots of fruit and vegetables. I haven't had to make any changes. He also said to do moderate exercise for 30 minutes 5 times a week, which is standard advice. Make sure you have had a blood test to check for anaemia/B12 levels. The hardest thing in my view is dealing with the anxiety, especially when you first get diagnosed. Sending you a big hug x

[Athena1969 in reply to SuperFluff]

Thanks so much for the advice, yes I know exactly what you mean, big hugs to you x