mechanical valve

I had mitral and aortic valve replacements in June of 2000. On my last echo, i had a refaction of 60, good aortic function but mild mitral insuffiency. How come?


This discussion is related to What is mild mitral insuffiency.

[ed34]

There are always risks involved with valve replacements and mild leaks. However, a mild regurgitation (leakage) is not uncommon in people and is not serious. When valves are replaced, the heart is usually enlarged slightly on the left side where it has attempted to adapt to produce more output and this can distort the opening where the valve is situated. As the swelling of the heart decreases, the shape of the opening can be affected and distort the valve or even allow a small leak through the edge of the valve.
There is also a risk of developing stenosis of the valve but medication usually takes care of this. A mild leak is not a serious thing and because this is a replaced valve, the cardiologist may ask you to have follow up echo scans so he can monitor its progress. These are usually 6-12 mths apart. Once he is happy that 'mild' is the maximum the valve will reach, he will then put the echoscans much further apart, anywhere between 2-5 yrs. So, there's nothing to worry about.

[ed34]

Of course, I am assuming your aortic valve is still ok? If this valve has problems, then it can cause high pressure in the left ventricle and stress the mitral valve. As you only mentioned regurgitation with the mitral then I pressume that the aortic valve is functioning properly