Question Title: Aortic Valve Prolapse/Minor Mitral Valve regurgitation

I am a 33 year old male and was diagnos with aortic valve prolapse and mitral valve regurgitation about 2 years ago. At that time I had a echocardiogram which showed that my heart was slightly enlarged. Since than I also had a muga test done which showed no change in my stroke volume at rest and during exercise. Currently I have a echo done every 6 months. My last echo was on 12/10/98 which showed that my heart has grew slightly from the last echo. My cardiologist has just prescribed medication which I think is Vazotec. I am currently very active with both aerobic and weight training activity. I am not experiencing any symptoms at this time. My blood pressure is 130/50.

I am providing this information to aid with the following questions:

- Is there a less invasive procedure for aortic valve replacement than having to do a sternotomy?

- When will I know when the valve needs to be replaced? Is there any advantage to waiting?

- What types of procedures are there for aortic valve replacement?
How long will the new valve last?

- Is it OK to contunue to exercise with this condition?

- Would a catheterization be necessary to determine the severity of the prolapse? I ask this because at my last appointment my cardiologist mention that this procedure might be helpful.

- After valve replacement will I be able to resume my level of activity?

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions!

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Dear Pete

-Is there a less invasive procedure for aortic valve replacement than having to do a sternotomy?
Yes. There are "minimally-invasive" approaches that still involve an incision on the chest, but a smaller one.

-When will I know when the valve needs to be replaced? Is there any advantage to waiting?
If you develop symptoms, the valve needs to be replaced. Without symptoms, the decision will be based on when your echo shows that your heart is starting to deteriorate.

- What types of procedures are there for aortic valve replacement?
How long will the new valve last?
The options include a homograft (tissue from a cadaver), a pig tissue valve, or a mechanical valve. The mechanical valves last indefinitely. The tissue valves start to deteriorate significantly after 10 years. It is unclear at this point just how long the homografts may last - we are hoping they last for a long time.

- Is it OK to contunue to exercise with this condition?
It is fine to continue exercising. I would recommend aerobic exercise over weight training.

- Would a catheterization be necessary to determine the severity of the prolapse? I ask this because at my last appointment my cardiologist mention that this procedure might be helpful.
A catheterization is another way to get a look at how much regurgitation of the aortic and/or mitral valves you have. It can be useful especially in ambiguous situations.

- After valve replacement will I be able to resume my level of activity?
About six weeks after your surgery, you should be able to resume your previous level of activity.

I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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