Valvular sclerosis

Question

I am a 53 yr. old female who recently had an ECHO due to occassional palpitations and two incidents of chest pain at rest. I was told that mitral and aortic valve is mildly sclerotic (calcium). I don't have the risk factors i.e. over 65, high cholesterol, kidney failure, congenital heart disease, etc. My cholesterol is 201, triglycerides are 67, HDL is 84, LDL is 103.6,, BUN 17, Creat. 1.0, Calcium 9.9. I am 118 lbs., eat low fat and exercise 3x week. How alarmed should I be? I know that this can lead to stenosis, possible CHF and possible valve replacement. I was told my EF is 60% which is WNL. I do not have DOE or CP with activity or other symptoms but I am concerned about ECHO results. How concerned should I be?

kenkeith · Answer

I had to look up WNL, DOE, CP :)

kenkeith · Answer

You shouldn't be concerned at all based on your report.  You have no symptoms of any heart disease and your heart's functionality is good.  Sclerotic valves can narrow the valve opening (stenosis) and increase the atrium pressure causing an enlargement of the atrium dimensions. Sometimes the leaflets become calcified causing regurgitation as well.
It is not uncommon for some calcification of the valves and the care for yourself will stop or slow any progession.

If and when your left atrium enlarges, there would be some concern.  An enlarged atrium can cause arrythmia and blood clots..

ed34 · Answer

Sorry,  I forgot to say that your cardiologist will decide if you require any medication.

ed34 · Answer

They should keep monitoring your valves but if you get your cause under control then you should halt the progression. The hard thing is finding the cause. As long as you don't smoke, eat healthy, exercise and avoid stress as much as possible, then hopefully you should not have any progression of the disease. Anything 'mild' is nothing to worry about but as a precaution should be monitored, say every 6 months or every year, depending on which the cardiologist prefers. Your EF is not fine, and I don't think you have anything to worry about at this time.