what can I do?

[TOMSHIRL]

I am a 54 yr old female, with a family history of heart disease. I also have Asthma and high blood pressure.  I have for the last 8+ weeks been very short of breath and had a dry hacking cough. Have been treated with steriods, 2 go rounds of it. no change. they did a pulmonary function and dr told me it was normal. had a 2D echocardiogram. Dr also told me normal. I asked for a copy of the test results. this is what coclusions were.: Preserved left ventricular function noted. Distolic dysfunction was noted.  Mild to moderate mitral and and mild tricuspid regurgitation were noted.Trace aortic and mild pulmonary insufficiency were noted. Diastolic dysfunction noted.  My Family practitioner told me.  No action needed to be taken at this time.  Should i seek a second opinion?  My Mother had congestive heart failure and had 2 heart surgeries, 2 bypases surgeries and one was at Cleveland clinic, were they also did a porcoline mitral valve replacement.  I don't want to wait till i have a heart attack to do something can i do something now? Should I make an appointment with a Heart Dr.?

[Judy246]

Definately a second opinion, because a continuous dry cough can mean heart disease or respiratory ailment.

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,
I don’t think you need to worry too much as your echo report looks pretty okay and your systolic heart functions are preserved. The one thing you need to ensure is the control of your blood pressure and it’s quite important. In my opinion, you don’t need to see a cardiologist at this stage. You can get the echo test repeated after an year and see if there’s any improvement or worsening. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.