Leaky valve

[eilan377]

I was diagnosed yesterday with a leaky valve after having had an Echo Heart Scan.  
Having read up on this today, and realising that the symptoms I have been experiencing - shortness of breath on occasions, angina attacks, extreme tiredness, palpitations, swelling of my ankles etc. may have been due to this condition and not as I thought  to a blockage I had in my artery, which is now clear.
Hopefully I will have a follow up appointment with my Cardiologist soon which will enable me to discuss the matter with him, but just at this moment in time I feel a little vulnerable and do not quite know what to expect.  The literature I read on the internet mentions one must be careful about infections when visiting dentists etc.  I have a dental appointment soon and wonder also whether I should ask for an antibiotic before treatment.  This is just one of many questions at present which appear to be looming in my mind.  I realise one has to keep a perspective on all things but I need answers please.                                                
                                            

[kenkeith]

EF is the ejection fraction that represents the amount of blood pumped into circulation with each heartbeat....normal 50 to 70%. If and when there is heart wall impairment from heart cell damage, the EF will be reduced depending on the degree of muscle damage.

[eilan377]

You are a person after my own heart. (excuse the pun) . . I too have to inform myself as much as possible.  Somehow it makes it more manageable and allows you most times to ask the right questions and hopefully get the right answers.

You will have to forgive me but I do not know what EF stands for, therefore, I am at a loss to comment.  What I am pleased about is that you have the initiative and common sense to seek advice from another Cardiologist.  

I am ok now but yesterday and the evening before I admit to having had a tearful session,.  I think it was reaction and tiredness combined.

[kenkeith]

I dealt with congested heart failure by learning everything I could about the condition. My doctor was not very good at explaining because of poor English, and even stated my very low EF would never improve.  Also, said I needed a heart transplant but none is available for me.

I have been successfully treated with medication by another cardiologist and I certainly don't need a heart transplant! The orginal cardiologist is history. Thanks for asking..

[eilan377]

I;m sure you do.  How did you deal with it initially?
I keep telling myself - You had it before they diagnosed you, so get on with it - Things haven't changed since the diagnosis.
That's all very well in theory but in reality it is not so easy.  I need answers to my unvoiced questions..  I know I will get them when I see the Cardiologist, but who knows when that will be.  In the meantime I am very grateful for the contact on this Forum.

[kenkeith]

I know the feeling!

[eilan377]

It is good to share, it helps make one feel they are not alone.  It is daunting and, if I am honest, just a little scary to be told you have a leaky valve, albeit a small one: Not so sure I wouldn't prefer the blockage, given a choice.

I will keep you informed of my particular situation.

[kenkeith]

Yes, excessive internal bleeding is very serious and sometimes a person doesn't know until too late.  Thanks for sharing and do a followup, an interesting situation!.  

[eilan377]

I have just re read your first reply, and will google AHA for further info about antibiotics and dental treatment.  Thanks.

It must have been a distressing experience having such a heavy bleed after a wisdom tooth extraction.   I, too, hope you do not have any internal bleeds.  I agree that one baby aspirin is quite a powerful blood thinning agent.  Imagine what it must be like for others on Heparin or Warfarin.  Let's hope we never have to take them.
I am going to retire now to bed so will say goodnight.  
Good to communicate, thanks.

[eilan377]

My understanding is that they are going to request the results of the Angiogram of 3 years ago and compare it with the latest one.  I will gladly share the answer when I have a discussion with the Cardiologist on my follow up appointment.    

[ed34]

I am amazed at this, I have never heard of such a large occlusion disappearing like that. It would be interesting to know what the blockage material actually was. If it was plaque then I wonder how many other such cases there are and how they body removes them.

[eilan377]

It was an Angiogram.  Last Thursday I had a further one at a different hospital and it showed my arteries were clear.  They also explained about the smallness of my R C A which I was born with and that I had a larger artery passing round the back of the heart.  Apparently about 20% in the country are born with this.   I answered I like being unique.
The Heart Echo I had late Friday showed a leaky valve

[eilan377]

Yes, 3 years ago I had an Angiogram which showed a 90 % blockage of my R C A , and as I was born with a small calibre artery they said it would be risky to unblock it and I have been managed on medication.   As a result of an episode three weeks ago it was decided a new Angiogram be done, which I had last thursday.  This showed my arteries were clear.  I would add it was at a different hospital.  They were very good to me and I felt in safe hands.  The Heart Echo test showed a leaky valve.

[kenkeith]

OOOOP's  Another subject!  
QUOTE:"I am assuming my symptoms of occasional tightness in chest, bouts of spasmodic Angina, lightheadedness, palpitations, sometimes extreme tiredness etc. are down to this condition and not the severe blockage diagnosed 3 years ago in my R C. Artery:

What test determined you had RC blockage 3 years ago?  The current angiogram (stress echo) should be considered the deciding factor, and the earlier information is inaccurate or misunderstood.  What test or medical report are you relying on 3 years ago?

[ed34]

You had a severe blockage in your right coronary artery 3 years ago, then 2 days ago an angiogram showed it was gone and your arteries are clear?

[kenkeith]

I have moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation and is and has been closely watched for about 6 years.  And my cardiologist said to quickly contact him if I have shortness of breath and/or swelling of peripherals.

For many years, the medical community believed dental work (bleeding) would/could cause a valve problem.  About 2 or more years ago, AHA stated it was no longer necessary for antibiotic meds on some dental procedures. A year or so ago, I had a wisdom tooth pulled, and the dentist did not suggest any anti-biotic prior to procedure.  I can say that with a baby aspirin the bleeding did not stop for hours.  I was told bite down on a tea bag...didn't help very much...hope there is never inside bleeding because of the excessive bleeding.

You can google AHA guidelines for antibiotics and dental procedure.  There are numerous links.  Thanks for sharing and take care.

[eilan377]

Hello Ed34
Thanks for your input.  The technician said it was a small leak.  I will, of course, pass info on to my Dentist and Hygenist.
I am assuming my symptoms of occasional tightness in chest, bouts of spasmodic Angina, lightheadedness, palpitations, sometimes extreme tiredness etc. are down to this condition and not the severe blockage diagnosed 3 years ago in my R C. Artery.   As two days ago, after a further Angiogram, I was told that it was no longer blocked and my Arteries were clear.  Presumably I just carry on as norm. and deal with the prevailing symptoms as and when they occur.  I need to know what impact it will have on my life.  What can I do, or not do, as the case may be.  Will it become a larger leak. I need answers to be able to live with it.  Having read info on line I need to understand this condition and know what to expect and to make sure I keep myself informed and get the right support on board.    

[ed34]

Was it diagnosed as a mild, moderate or severe leak?
The best person to ask regarding your dental treatment is your dentist. He/she will be able to give you all the statistics and it's wise to inform them that you have a heart condition. I informed mine and he simply said that the risk is so very small, it's not worth worrying about. When he did my hygiene clean up, he simply said make sure I don't swallow and I had to rinse more often than usual.