heart valves

There seems to be a variety of opinions in the literature about the significance of mild regurgitation of heart valves.  A recent echo shows that I have mild regurgitation of tricuspid and mitral valves (not noted on previous echos). LV function good. I am also pacemaker-dependent following successful AV node ablation for sick sinus syndrome and have had a left pneumonectomy. Recent symptoms of increased breathlessness on exercise and some central chest discomfort. Could the absence of the lung help to explain the symptoms which seem to be out of proportion to the degree of abnormality noted on the echo?
Thanks and happy Easter
Irene

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Irene,

I am sorry to hear about your recent symptoms of shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Mild tricuspid regurgitation and mild mitral regurgitation are very common in the general population and are very unlikely causes for your symptoms. It is possible that your pneumonectomy could be playing a part in your symptoms. However, I would ask your doctor whether or not your pacemaker's rate increases sufficiently when you exercise. Also, blockages in the heart arteries may cause similar symptoms and a stress test may be warranted. I would recommend seeing your cardiologist and discussing your symptoms along with the issues mentioned here. Hope this helps.


Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE