Severe Aorta Valve regurgitation

[duvalr]

Hi,
I'm 54, had a St. Jude MVR 10 years ago, I have irregular beat cardioversion would not last. I am physically active with hiking, basketball and rowing (real rowing with a coxswain and all). A few months back I mentioned at a physical that I felt more tired than usual (started needing day naps) and basically felt lousy...

So my PCP ordered an echocardiogram which she called me up after 7:00pm one night and told me I had problems, that the results showed I had severe Aorta Valve failure and I needed it replaced. Ok, my first step was with my cardiologist who also went over the echo results and told me since I don't have and other symptoms then yes I need a valve but we can wait, no immediate danger to rush anything. I told him about my above symptoms and this prompted him to order me a cardiac stress test to be compared with one I had done 3 years prior which at that time I was diagnosed with "mild" Aorta Valve regurgitation. So those test results showed me with less stamina compared to 2006, but no real issues. Over the phone my cardiologist explained that my heart showed no enlargement and we will monitor and see him in 3 months. So my PCP has me on the table one night and my cardio guy says go out and do whatever you want, no limitations just monitor and report any issues?

So, my question is what should I do if anything at this point? Also, if I am going to need my aorta replaced at some point, why not sooner than later?

thanks,
roger

[ed34]

the aortic valve sits on the output from the left ventricle. This is where freshly oxygenated
blood from the lungs is sent out to supply all living tissue. If you feel more tired and
lethargic, this is probably due to the heart being less effective on the left side,hence your
body is receiving less oxygen than it normally would. Did they tell you the LV EF percentage from the scan?

[duvalr]

Thank you for your response. I just called and got that %, they said 55%
thanks,
roger

[ed34]

That's a good figure, 50-65% is classed as normal and so your left ventricle is still doing
its work. The MILD regurgitation is of no real concern at this stage and monitoring is the
best bet. Stay stress free :)

[duvalr]

Thank you for your quick response again, that makes me feel better about what my cardiologist is saying. I will just monitor and report back to him and heart related issues then. Now I can concentrate on my hip replacement just had done and my spinal stenosis operation to be scheduled.

thanks again,
roger