Tricuspid regurgitation and increased pulmonary artery pressures

[joyce498]

I recently when through a stress Echo cardiogram d/t having shortness of breath.  The physician stated that the
heart itself looks ok, but there was noted tricuspid regurgitation and increased pulmonary artery pressures. What does this all mean to a 55 year old women? He told me to check with my primary physician about doing a chest xray, pulmonary function test. My physician is waiting on a dictated letter the the Cardiac specialist.   I have had heaviness in my feet for sometime now, but no swollen ankles. It is difficult to climb stairs. I had a spinal fusion about 6 years ago in the lower lumbar. I now have been found to have degenerative disc. disease in the cervical area.  The only other thing I am treated for is hypothyroidism and anxiety.   What do you think this all mean?

[mat1956]

Joyce, was just checking back and wondering how your appt went on 10/20 and did you get any results. I have been thinking about you often. I can never figure out to get on this site. My husband is 16 years older that me. It seems like the last year I have gone downhill. Praise God! I's able to walk, breathe and my heart is still beating. I can always look around me and see someone in worse shape than I am. I'm a nurse and a people person. Presently, I'm not working and I miss my work and the patients I took care of, (I was a hospice nurse). As I read the posts I see so many caring people reaching out to others when they are in pain (mentally ) and are worrying with fear. It's a blessing that I found this site. Just reading how the others are helping each other, helps me. Blessings.

[Momto3]

Hi Joyce,

Sorry to read about your concerns.  Did your doctor mention the degree of the regurgitation?  Valve regurgitation is generally graded from trivial to severe.  A patient can have mild or moderate regurg for many years and may or may not ever need intervention.  What's important is to monitor for changes.  I'm glad to read that your doctor will repeat the echo in a year.  If it helps, I've had mitral regurg for at least 30 years.  So far, so good (knock wood).  I'm not familiar with pulmonary pressure values, so I can't really help with that.  Hopefully, the doctor will be able to explain what's going on.  Try not to worry.  

[joyce498]

Its good to hear from someone who understands. I am not able to express myself with my family. I have always been the rock/tower of strength to them.  I have 6 grown children and 8 grandchildren. They are always looking to me to solve their problems. I am sorry to hear of your ongoing health issues. I have an appointment Monday morning to find the results of my chest xray and pulmonary function test. This is an area I never say myself in. I have had a spinal fusion over 5 years ago, but followed instructions, exercise and have been very active and still working full time.  I now have other spine issues but prefer to find other ways of handling this instead of the very involved surgery last time. My husband also does not understand my fear; he is 14 years older and is sure he is going to drop any day now. :-) I think I will be like his grandpa and mom who said the same thing every day and lived well into the late 80s for his mom and 98  for his grandpa, but then one never knows.  We just need to enjoy every day to the best of our ability with God's help.

[mat1956]

Joyce, I can feel the fear you have. I know for I went 2 weeks before I was able to see a pulmonologist R/T increased pulmonary artery pressure. Also had mitral, tricuspid and pulmonic valve regurgitation (moderate) based on an Echo. My cardiologist said I needed to see a pulmonologist. Researched and saw would best to see Md affiliated with hospital that did research. Long story short---I made the appt., went to see MD. I had made an appt with a Md that did heart, heart/lung and liver transplants. The Md explained my pressure was not high enough to participate in clinic and trials. I worried and worried before the appt. and am still worried. I now have to see a plain pulmonologist. Just more $$$$.Check out the info  as Encephalomalcia has suggested. Many times we worry over the unknown until we create more problems. In my case, my cardiologist left me to find a pulmonologist on my own. Needless to say I am also looking for another cardiologist.   matt1956

[Encephalomalcia]

Here's a website that may help you to understand what is happening: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/000169.htm.

Hope this helps.

Deb