Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse and Tricuspid insufficiency

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on November 14, 1998 at 20:34:55:

In Reply to: Mitral Valve Prolapse and Tricuspid insufficiency posted by Rhonda on November 13, 1998 at 19:44:02:






I have been diganosed with mide to moderate Mitral insufficiency and mide tricuspid insufficiency.
The doctor did not disucss the tricuspid with me so can you explain what this mean.
They did a 24 holter which showed I have 4 extra beats in 24 hours and say this is normal.  Is it?
A Thallium Stress test was done and I was always advised everything was normal.  I was on the treadmill for 10min.  Is that a good sign?  At the end of the test my heart had an extra beat, they said this is also normal.  Is it?
I am very worried about the two valve issues.  They told me to go back to gym.  I walk on the treadmil for 35 min and lift weights.  Should I be lifting weights with these type of heart problems.   Would you also suggest I get a second opion?  Thank You
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Dear Rhonda
The tricuspid valve is a valve just like the mitral valve, but on the right side of the heart. The information you present suggests that the tricuspid valve is a little bit leaky and the mitral valve is even more leaky.
A few extra heart beats over the course of a day is not a big deal.
Lasting 10 minutes on a treadmill stress test is pretty good.
Exercise is good for you. The specific type is a matter of personal preference. Weight lifting should not be a problem for your valves.
The decision to seek a second opinion is a personal one. It sounds like you have already had a pretty thorough evaluation. Regarding the moderate mitral regurgitation, you should have periodic echocardiograms by your cardiologist to make sure the leak is not getting worse.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.