aortic regurgitation

[wendyysm]

Hi, I'm wendy. Would appreciate any help in advising what readings should I be monitoring for my son aortic regurgitation condition. He is 16 and was recently diagnosed to have mild aortic insufficiency. Presently, he is on invoril-10mg per day. Other than this medication, the cardiologist has not given me any parameters on his heart conditions. I have been monitoring his pressure readings at home. What are the "normal" reading for patients with this condition? His readings is normally in the range of 126-135 for the systolic and 58-68 for the diastolic. What are the parameters should the doctor provide so that we as parents know of his progression and when there is a need of surgery. I am really at a loss now.


Thank you.

[lfriff]

I had my first diagnosis when I was 15 and then had rheumatic fever when I was pregnant and the damage was exacerbated.  However, it wasn't until age 48 that I had the replacement.  Do you know what stage the echo shows?  I think mine was nearly five or so when I had to go into surgery.

[lfriff]

I had aortic insufficiency for quite a long time before it became necessary to replace the valve.  Is the Cardiologist doing an echo each year?  That is usually what they will do and then every six months as the condition worsens.  The blood pressure isn't as much of an indicator.  Watch the symptoms and hopefully he can go a long time before it gets to the point that he needs replacement.