Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Questions concerning VSD
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Questions concerning VSD
by Doug__0__0, May 26, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Doug on May 26, 1999 at 12:53:46
I have had a VSD since birth. The aortic valve has one of the cusp being suck through the VSD. They used to think it was bi-cuspid. In 96 I had an echo that showed Trace regurgitation in the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve and pulmonic valve with trivial pericardial effusion. The Left Ventricle was 5.3 diastolic, 3.8 systolic and the Left right ventricle diastolic was 1.0, left atrium was 4.0. Ejection fraction was about 55%. What, if anything can be expected for the future? One cusp of the aortic valve was "slightly thickened". Does that mean anything? Lately I have had more shortness of breath than before and seem to be easily tired. I have not been seen since 96. What do you think or recommened. Thanks.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 26, 1999 at 15:21:46
Dear Doug, thank you for your question. I can't give you specific advice in this forum. Since your cardiac history is confusing to me, it's hard to answer your question. For example, did your most recent echo document a residual VSD or leaking of the aortic valve? Since you are now experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue, I think you need to see a cardiologist to determine your prognosis and whether any new or additional tests need to be performed.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions. Good luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Doug on May 26, 1999 at 15:28:46
VSD has been known since birth. They thought I had a bi-cuspid aortic valve but then found out through a TEE that one cusp was being sucked through the VSD. I guess my question is with one cusp being sucked through the VSD will it have the same effect as a bi-cuspid valve, (need replaced sometime)? What about the regurge on the different valves? Can I expect the chambers to grow?
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 26, 1999 at 15:35:46
Dear Doug, thank you for your quick follow-up. If one aortic valve cusp is "pulled" into the VSD, then your aortic valve should be leaking. Bicuspid aortic valves generally cause stenosis of the aortic valve leaflets and not leaking. If the VSD is small, you may tolerate it for a long time with enlargement of your cardiac chambers or an elevation of the pressures on the right side of your heart. Therefore, you need more specific information from your physician to determine your prognosis. However, I hope that I have helped you. Good luck!
Posted by Doug on May 26, 1999 at 15:45:51
Las time... What effect does a leaking aortic valve cause vs a bicuspid valve?
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 26, 1999 at 22:14:46
Dear Doug, a leaky aortic valve is called aortic regurgitation (AR) and a bicuspid valve usually produces aortic stenosis (AS) later in life. Depending on the severity of AR, patients can be asymptomatic or can develop heart failure when AR is severe. AS usually progresses slowly but eventually can cause chest pain, fainting spells, and heart failure when AS is severe. However, your situation is not that clear cut, so you must get clarification from your own physician.
I hope this helps.
