echo questions

Dear Dr.,
I am a 45 yr. old f, 5'5" @ 127lbs, exercise moderately. (Mother had MVR with 2 bypasses while in CHF and died of CHF 10 yrs. later). I take atenolol and verapamil and a salt tab for NCS and IST.

I never come up with these questions until after my visit. *sigh*
And that was after a 3 hr. wait!

My 1st echo was done early 1999 - no MVP, mild MR
My 2nd done later that yr- mild MVP, mild MR & TR
3rd was done 7/02- "Prolapsing of the mitral valve is present with a myxomatous appearing mitral valve, along with trace MR noted."
My questions are:
1.What exactly is "myxomatous"?  
2.Is it an ongoing process?
3.What is the prognosis?
4.Also, how does regurg. get better?
5.Seeing the regurg. is better, did my EP tell me (again) to use antibiotics because of the myxomatous valve?
6.Also, the MVP wasn't stated as mild or otherwise, should I assume mild?
7.On the earlier echos they gave EF as 50-55%,58%, now estimated at 65%.  My stress test states, "using the gated technique...53%". Which is the most accurate?

I know I have alot of questions. I do hope you have the time to answer them.  Thank you!

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Mitral valve:

According to your echocardiograms you have mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mild leaking of the mitral and tricuspid valves.
Myxomatous is a term which means redundant or extra tissue involving the mitral valve. This is something that should be followed with routine echocardiography. Many people have trace MR and TR however, the myxomatous changes need following. Your mitral regurgitation may worsen over time however, medical treatment may slow the progression.
You should also use antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures because there is some leaking of the valve,  MVP and myoxmatous changes.
All of the ejection fraction (EF) values you listed are within the normal limits.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KD

[jan]

I know the dr. doesn't answer any comments, so I was wonder'g if any of you know what he meant by, "...medical treatment may slow the progression" . What would be the medical treatment?