could they really just let you die?

[anthony709]

Hello my name is Anthony I have three children an awesome wife and I love them all very deeply. So to the point in 2001 I was told that i have high blood pressure so I thought that was kind of weird cause I was only 21 kind of young so i was put on medication for it. Well after further thinking that the doctors had to be incorrect that there had to be a reason that I had high blood pressure at such a young age I began to read and educate myself on my condition and I had many thousands of dollars in tests done echocardiograms, blood work, stress test, ekgs. My ekgs showed elevated qrs voltage but doc’s said qrs is just normal for my age well I had a eco done four years ago and was told you have a leaking aortic valve and was diagnosed with mitel valve prolapsed, and aorta valve regurgitation and high blood pressure so they put me on a blood pressure medication with a diuretic in it that was it. So now I have more money invested and still no cure to the existing problem. Heres the reason I’m  writing is because I was having chest a few days ago and went to the hospital to get checked out cause the pain lasted like five days they did a ekg and a bi lateral e-ray and said you have slightly enlarged heart and a small repolarization problem well the eco said that my heart was working at a 64% rate whatever that means this is my question why is it if I have no insurance and cannot afford insurance I cannot get anybody to step up and say hey you need surgery and not just send me home when there is evidence that a simple valve replacement could save my life? This is what I believe I have read a lot and asked many questions and I believe that if my valves were replaced my high blood pressure would go away and my heart might even return to its normal size since its only began to enlarge.
** Is America that helps so many people really going to sit back and let a 29 male with three children and a wife that goes to work every day as a productive citizen die of such a simple disorder?** (may the many who have passed as a result of delay of treatment rest inpeace)

[anthony709]

to answer some questions i don't drink ANY alcohol under no circumstance. my wife doesn't use any salt when she makes my dinners the only salt i take in is when i eat lunch at work and i watch it very carefully. i don't smoke haven't since i was 15 years old. i also don't drink caffeine maybe a 20 oz every two or three days. usually its water. my mother has high blood pressure but thats it.

[kenkeith]

An enlarged left ventrical can be an underlying cause for mitral valve regurgitation.  You are correctly evaluating your medical condition as high blood pressure can enlarge the LV resulting in valve insufficiency.

Five years ago, I had an enlarged heart (LV) and mitral valve regurg. (moderate to severe),  EF below 29%, etc. The doctors believed treating the hgh blood pressure, increasing blood flow with a stent, and medication would reduce heart size and EF to normal and a possibility of a more normal functioning of the valve.  My LV dimension and EF are currrently normal, but it appears of little help for the MVR.  

Often when the heart enlarges (dilation), the EF is or will be effected if not properly treatng the underlying cause.  The underlying cause can be high blood pressure...the heart is overworked and increases in size to compensate and then overcompensation with serious consequences.  Your EF is normal, and not a problem at the present time.  You don't need surgery, but you should be treated to reduce the heart's workload.  A serious valve malfunction will increase the heart's workload as less blood is pumped into circulation with each stroke and can cause an increase in heart size, but you would have symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle fatique, etc.

[Encephalomalcia]

Heart valve surgery replacement is a very complicated surgery.  If you are ever in need of this surgery, make sure that you have a top surgeon that does many.  Heart valves sometimes get better on their own.  I have spoken to many people in their 70's who said that they were in need of valve replacement and waited.  Their valves got better on their own.  There is a 1 in 5 chance of dying from the surgery and that is for everyone regardless of age.  With medication to keep your blood pressure down, diet, exercise, and reducing stress you may be able to control your blood pressure.  Make sure that you are eating a healthy diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, brown rice, salmon, oatmeal and limiting your red meat and processed foods, fast food, fried foods.  All foods should be baked and if you eat meat remove the skin (there is a lot of fat under the skin).  I dropped by LDL levels extremely when I gave up beef for a year.  Because of that, I have not had beef for 13 years.  I also stopped eating pork for one year and the levels again dropped.  I started eating pork again due to anemia and not being able to take iron pills due to stomach problems.  Diet can really help, but you need to be strict.  Try not to worry, just make sure that you are taking care of yourself.  Take care.  

[twinbee]

My sister has valve issues like you do. She has had them for the past ten years and she is not dying. Your valve problems are not severe enough to warrant surgery. And believe me it is not a "simple" surgery. It is considered a major heart operation. Your high blood pressure can come from so many different things. Do you drink alcohol? Do you smoke? Do you use alot of salt? How is your diet? You have to look at all these facts and more. High blood pressure can be caused by stress also. Family history is also a cause.

[erijon]

What makes you think you're dying? I don't read anything here that would lead me to that conclusion, everything is controllable. Your EF of 64% is excellent and means that your heart is pumping out 64% of the blood in the heart on each beat. Normal is 55 - 75% so yous is good. You should be able to control your HPB which will help your heart get back to it's normal size. Again, I'm not  a doctor and perhaps you should post on the expert forum but I don't see anything terminal here.

Good luck,

Jon

[Flycaster305]

You have brought up many questions.  I sure don't have all the answers, but I'll try and explain a few things I have experienced.
The 64% rate you are referring to is very probably what is called the Ejection Fraction (EF).  This is the efficiency rating of the pumping ability of your heart, and it's normal.  50-70 is considered normal.  By comparison, mine is is in the low 40% range.  

There are degrees of Mitral Valve Prolapse.  If it is mild or modest, it just means that it needs to be monitored, surgery would never be done, in my opinion, at that level, especially because of the high EF rate you exhibit.  I have no knowlege of the Aortic valve condition you exhibit.  

I'm guessing your most immediate concern is the high blood pressure issue.  I'd address the issue with your doctor, but I'd sure watch your diet.  Keep your weight down, limit salt by avoiding restaurant/processed foods like canned and boxed dinners.

It is frightening to have cardiac issues, but you are doing the right thing by educating yourself.  The fact that you have a 64% EF rating should relieve you a great deal.  Google Ejection Fraction, you will get all kinds of information.
Best wishes, keep us informed.  

[suniroze]

I feel your anger and dissappointment. Have you checked out the community hospitals in your area. There are hospitals with state or government funds to help people just like you. I dont know your income status but being that you have 3 children you may be eligible for lots of state funding that would help you. I would take a day off and network. I have to go to a naval hospital and belive me I have my own doubts as I work for the government in the medical field and know that most are medical students and fellows /interns. It is really tough to put your trust and life in the hands of strangers. I will keep you in my prayers.