heart murmur with mild aortic stenosis and mild aortic insufficiency

Posted by pat baisden on May 11, 1999 at 14:29:22
we would like to know about aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency. we have gotten records from our family dr and a heart dr. they both say my husband has this what is it and how serious is it. he was diagnosed with mitro valve prolaps when he was 16 is now 42 pretty good health and is a bit over weight he has had no major problems and has had echogram and a stress test this is when they found this. they call his heart murmur a III/IV systolic ejection this murmur runs in his family grandpa dad and couple of uncles he can get health insurance because of this medical in his file. please help us to understand this problem a little more because he is having a few problems now lightheadness chest pressure shortness of breath this is the same time of the year this happened before. basicly the dr told him it was all in head and he was fine so he has a problem with dr now. im very concerned for him thanks pat baisden

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 11, 1999 at 19:52:59
Dear Pat
Aortic stenosis means that the main outlet valve of the heart is narrowed, interfering with blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic insufficiency means the aortic valve leaks, letting blood flow backwards from the body to the heart. Both conditions could account for your husband's symptoms, if the valve condition is severe enough.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Telly on May 19, 1999 at 15:29:11
Can you please tell me exactly what is required for the recuperation of the heart surgery patient? Do they need a hospital bed, will they be able to move.
This operation is 2 valve replacements and 1 repair. We just want to be prepared when the patient comes home. Can they move? Is the breast bone broken? Please explain in detail.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 23, 1999 at 11:56:21
Dear Telly
Yes, they can move - should be able to walk out of the hospital. No heavy lifting or driving for six weeks.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.