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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Aortic Valve Build-up, what is it?
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Aortic Valve Build-up, what is it?
by SuperD, Jul 28, 2005 12:00AM
Due to a simple sinus infection, I made a scheduled visit to my family doctor who informed me of a heart murmur (which Ive named "Murry"), which has never been heard before. Im a 32 year old female and this came as quite a shock. Since the murmur's discovery in May, Ive had a Echo (in June) which lead my cardiologist to believe I had a congenital aortic valve defect (bicuspid). On the 26th of this month, I had a TEE test which revealed more information. As it turns out, I do have 3 leaflets on my aortic valve, but also some questionable build-up on the valve which my cardiologist referred to as "some sort of gunk on the valve".
My cardiologist, which works for a heart hospital in Dayton OH was quite confused by what he saw on the TEE test. He will be reviewing the video with colleagues and possibly sending it to the Mayo clinic. He keeps asking about Rheumatic fever, but I've never had it. My heart is not enlarged, and all the other valves appear normal. Blood pressure is sometimes low, but not outside the normal range. I do suffer from what I believe is angina and heart palpitations. I have lost over 80 lbs in the last 2 years through weight watchers, and am a smoker, but not even a pack a day. I also have asthma, but a mild case.
Do you have any speculation on what this "build-up" could be? I know its difficult without viewing the TEE or the Echo, but maybe you could give me some guidance on what this build-up might be? Is there a way I could send you a video file of the TEE and/or Echo? Could someone at the Cleveland Clinic review this?
Thanks!
My cardiologist, which works for a heart hospital in Dayton OH was quite confused by what he saw on the TEE test. He will be reviewing the video with colleagues and possibly sending it to the Mayo clinic. He keeps asking about Rheumatic fever, but I've never had it. My heart is not enlarged, and all the other valves appear normal. Blood pressure is sometimes low, but not outside the normal range. I do suffer from what I believe is angina and heart palpitations. I have lost over 80 lbs in the last 2 years through weight watchers, and am a smoker, but not even a pack a day. I also have asthma, but a mild case.
Do you have any speculation on what this "build-up" could be? I know its difficult without viewing the TEE or the Echo, but maybe you could give me some guidance on what this build-up might be? Is there a way I could send you a video file of the TEE and/or Echo? Could someone at the Cleveland Clinic review this?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Jul 28, 2005 12:00AM
Hi SuperD,
Sorry to hear about your recent problems. Congratulations on the weight lose. Hopefully smoking cessation is in your future as well?
Do you have any speculation on what this "build-up" could be?
The build up is usually calcium. For some one your age, you likely have some congenital defect in the valve (bicuspid or functional bicuspid with 2 of the three leaflets being fused together). Like you mention, it is tough to know without seeing the tape.
We (the Cleveland Clinic) review outside cath films and echo films daily. Everyday there is a designated reader to interpret outside studies. You can call 216-444-2200 and ask to speak with someone in cardiology scheduling. Ask them how to have an outside study reviewed and they can help you with the shipping. You are only about 3 1/2 hours away. You could even drive up for a second opinion if you wish.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Sorry to hear about your recent problems. Congratulations on the weight lose. Hopefully smoking cessation is in your future as well?
Do you have any speculation on what this "build-up" could be?
The build up is usually calcium. For some one your age, you likely have some congenital defect in the valve (bicuspid or functional bicuspid with 2 of the three leaflets being fused together). Like you mention, it is tough to know without seeing the tape.
We (the Cleveland Clinic) review outside cath films and echo films daily. Everyday there is a designated reader to interpret outside studies. You can call 216-444-2200 and ask to speak with someone in cardiology scheduling. Ask them how to have an outside study reviewed and they can help you with the shipping. You are only about 3 1/2 hours away. You could even drive up for a second opinion if you wish.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
