Phen-Fen

I took the diet pills Phen-Fen for 6-8 weeks back in Feb.-April, 1997. In November, 1997, I was diagnosed with with the following from an echocardiogram:
Findings: There is mild left ventricular hypertrophy. Left atrium is upper limits of normal size. Left ventricular cavity and right-sided chambers are normal size. Left ventricular systolic function and regional motion are normal, with an estimated left ventricular ejection fraction of 60-65%. Right ventricular function is normal. No pericardial effusion is seen. No intracardiac mass, vegetation or thrombi are seen. Valve structures are all normal. Doppler evaluation demonstrates mild aortic insufficiency.
Impression: 1. Mild aortic insufficiency. 2. Normal left ventricular systolic function and regional wall motion. 3. Left ventricular hypertrophy.
My question: Even though I only took the Phen-Fen for 6-8 weeks, could they have caused this problem? I was never diagnosed with any heart problems before. Also, I have aching under my left breast alot and pretty often I get cramps (like a "charlie-horse") under my left breast area. Is this related? Is this a serious thing? I am 5'6" and about 20 lbs. overweight.  Thank you, Kathy

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

No, this is almost certainly not due to the Phen-Fen.  The mitral valve is the one affected by Phen-Fen and mild aortic insufficiency is nothing to be concerned about.  Of course there are some hungry class-action lawyers who would love to have a talk with you anyways....

[Robbie V.]

Hi Kathy----I am also a former user of the diet drugs Fen-Phen.  Your echo results sound pretty good to me.  I have had several echos that show left ventricle dilatation, concentric hypertrophy and mitral 3+, tricuspid 3 and aortic 1+ regurgitation.  I also have congestive heart failure now.  Are you having any symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling of the feet or ankles, or anything like that?  I also have something on or in my mitral valve, fibrosis, thickening, or something of that nature.  Dr. if you happen to read this, what is fibrosis anyways????  Your ejection fraction is very good also.  I really don't think that you have anything to worry about at this point, but it might not be a bad idea to keep an eye on the aortic regurgitation---maybe yearly, or what ever your doctor suggests.  Good luck to you!!

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Fibrosis means scar tissue.