Re: Mitral Regurgitation

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on February 05, 1999 at 11:07:41:

In Reply to: Mitral Regurgitation posted by Paul on February 04, 1999 at 23:19:10:






: I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I am 21, I have an enlarged left ventricle (found 3 years ago)and was recently told I also have what is called mitral regurgitation. I am having a hard time figuring, understanding rather, what it all means. Heart disease claimed my mother at 35, her mother at about 44, and my paternal father recently suffered a heart attack. I realize my family history, and would like to know from what I have already been told about what I have, are my chances that it will develop into heart disease. My cardiologist a few years ago said it COULD be early stage. What can I do to help prevent, and what should I do about my current condition? I appreciate ANY answers. Thank you. Nikole
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Dear Nikole
Important questions are how severe is your mitral regurgitation and why is your heart enlarged - there are several possible reasons. The exact reason would determine the appropriate therapy. There are several useful medications for enlarged hearts. In addition, if the mitral valve is severely damaged, surgical repair is an option. You should be under the care of a cardiologist now to try and prevent any further damage to your heart.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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.

Dear Nikole
   I forgot to mention that I had severe regurgitation .Once again, I feel
great and am extremely thankful that my cardiologist and surgeon suggested
that I have the valve replaced. My mitral valve was so deformed and thickened
that repair was not possible. Once again, best of luck.
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Dear Nikole
As Paul writes, valve surgery can be terrific for someone with a severe, leaky mitral valve. That is why it is important to find out how bad your valve is.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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.