Re: Heart Surgery or Not?

Posted By Alara on July 04, 1999 at 12:10:00
I am a 45 year old male and have never had any problems with my heart and have been an athlete for years. One day I did notice heart palpitations and went to the Doctor. He gave me a physical which was all good. He also gave me an EKG which showed nornal. While listening with his stetoscope he did detect some irrigular beats. So I took the Holter monitor for 24 hours and it was normal. To make sure he sent me to a Cardiologist and he took an Ecocardiogram and it showed that I have MVP(mitral valve prolasp)that has a mild leak. He later took a Stress Test with Cardiolite and my EF was 39%. I finally took a MUGA scan test which is supposed to be more accurate and my EF was 44%. I am taking Accupril for my blood pressure (143/92)and Toprol (50 mg)for the palpitations.
Now my primary care doctor and cardiologist don't think that surgery is required, it least not for now. The surgery would include removal of the mitral valve and replacing it with a mechanical one. However, they want to get another cardiologist's opinion about surgery.
What do you think? surgery or not?
Alara

[Denise__0__0]

Posted By Denise on July 04, 1999 at 19:55:08
Dear Alara,
I'm not a doctor - just a heart patient, but you most definitely need a second opinion.  I don't know where you live, but if you can get to the Cleveland Clinic, please do so or at least another hospital that comes close to the expertise of the Clinic.
I don't understand why the doctor has already said they would replace your valve.  I just had a very successful mitral valve repair at the Clinic (I'm a 46 year old female) and actually the possibility of a replacement wasn't even discussed.  I knew Dr. Cosgrove would make the best judgement of what I needed.  It's much better to have a repair if that's possible.  In your case, it may not be, but I would discuss all your options with the mostly highly qualified cardiologist you can find in your area.
Sincerely,
Denise










Follow Ups:


Heart Surgery or Not? CCF CARDIO MD JMF 7/05/1999
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Re: Heart Surgery or Not? Alara 7/19/1999
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