Mitral valve and Rheumatic fever

Hi, So glad to be able to ask my questions.
I am a 57 year old female, never smoked, never drank fairly active, history of rheumatic fever as a child, undiagnosed til I was very sick.
In Feb I wasn't feeling well, went to Er my blood pressure was up to 170/100, I had two abnormal EKGs st abnormality and my potassium was low, I was admitted and next day had a heart cath done and they found a 50% blockage ( eccetric lesion )left anterior desdending artery. Also had an echo, and carotid scan done, with 20-30% stenosis on left and right internal carotid artery.
Also while in the hospital I had a TIA and was unresponsive for about 4 hours, altho I could hear everything that was going on, I couldn't responed, I was sent home on BP meds.
I am having lots of fatigue and heart palps, After making an appt. at CCF I went to get my records, and found out I have borderline left atrial enlargement,thickening of the mitral leaflets,mild mitral regurg, 2+ tricuspid regurg, My Dr chose not to tell me this, and when I asked him he said it was all from my high BP, (oh and on my echo my EF was 64% ), that is good isn't it? I guess my question is, how do you decide if mitral valve replacedment is neccessary? does the Rheumatic fever play any part in this? I am still having left chest pain, lots of fatigue, and have developed a cough at night that won't let me sleep.
Thank -you so much and I am looking forward to coming to CCF for my second opinion.
Sylvia

[Cleveland Clinic]

smp,

thanks for the post.

My Dr chose not to tell me this, and when I asked him he said it was all from my high BP, (oh and on my echo my EF was 64% ), that is good isn't it?

Mitral regurgitation can be due to many different mechanisms. Rheumatic disease typically causes specific changes that can be seen on the echo.  Without seeing your echo, its impossible to tell you what caused it. Either way, uncontrolled hypertension can certainly lead to regurgitation over time or increase the amount of regurgitation and will need strict control


I guess my question is, how do you decide if mitral valve replacedment is neccessary? does the Rheumatic fever play any part in this?

2+ regurgitation in itself shouldnt need replacement.  I would have your CCF physician look over your data and discuss what therapeutic course to take.

I am still having left chest pain, lots of fatigue, and have developed a cough at night that won't let me sleep.

There could be a lot of different causes of these syptoms (symptoms). Make sure you mention them on your visit.

Thank -you so much and I am looking forward to coming to CCF for my second opinion.


Good luck, we're glad you are seeking a second opinion here.