mitral and tricuspid regurgitation

I am 36 years old, non-smoker, mother of three, ages 4 1/2, 3 1/2, 2 year olds.  I was diagnosed last year of both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, one with mild-mod and the other with moderate level... just had a ff up echocardiogram the other day and now awaiting for result.  My question is, if my condition progressed, when will I need valve replacement? if it remains the same... what are my chances of it progressing... when is usually valve replacements done... are they covered by insurance... where is the best to have it done... pardon my ton of inquiries...

[IrwinStone]

Firstly , do you know the cause of these valve defects? Was it congenital? or was it caused by an infection or rheumatic fever? You will want to get this resolved fairly quickly , not because of the murmur itself , but because of the damage it causes to the rest of the body. The insufficiency of both of your atrioventricular valves is causing blood backflow from your ventricles into your atrium. This is therefore permanently increasing the pressure in you atrium , and therefore decreasing venous return. Long term-This can possibly cause pooling of blood in your systemic and in your pulmonary circulation, and increase the formation of clots. Not only that your valve insufficiency is causing your heart to compensate for the defects, by chronically pumping harder and faster. This ultimately  causes an increase in overall blood pressure and chances of heart failure. I am not sure that is covered by your insurance plan. You might want to opt for having a biological ( animal, or human) tissue valve , instead of a mechanical valve. Mechanical valves have a number of problems.

[kenkeith]

The medical community have a mixed vew when to intervene with a procedure for a valve problem. Some doctors suggest wait for any symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and that usually occurs with moderate to severe regurgitation.

The Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have the best sugeons, and the surgeon at the Mayo Clinic commented the bigest problem he sees is the patient waited too long.  By waiting too long the heart can enlarge making any intervention more risky.  Also, the heart's ability to adequately pump can be impaired and intervention with a valve procedure may not return the heart to normal functionality.    

The chances for progression is almost certain, but it may remain in the same condition for a long period of time.  

Hope this helps you decide, you can contact the Clincs for a more individual analysis and what would be the best for you considering your current health, etc.

Thanks for sharing, and if you have any followup questions you are welcome to respond. Take care.