Echo yesterday showed mild aortic thickening

[notMYheart]

I am a 40 year old female, athletic.About 7 years ago a "mild murmur" was heard (for the first time)during a routine physical. An EKG and CXR were done. It was determined it was functional,"likely an athletic heart murmur"no follow-up needed. It was subsequently heard at every doctor's appt since, but no one has seemed particularly concerned. I even had surgery (cosmetic) during this time and the doctor did not even do an EKG. My dentist has prescibed prophylactic antibiotics becaused I checked the "murmur" box on the forms.

At my last physical, it seemed my murmur was radiating to my carotids and further eval was needed. I had the echo (tech only, no cardiologist). They called and scheduled an appt for a month later. Still not too overly concerned, but a little. Definately more aware of my heart...

Well, I saw the doc yesterday. A thorough exam. Even had the tech look at my heart once more for an additional measurement. I was extremely anxious...I had white coat HTN, for the first time. Bottom line was that I have "mild aortic thickening", and the murmur is caused by the force of my "athletic heart contraction" through that "thickened" valve. He was kind-of cavalier, with a "nothing to worry about" attitude of the results and I was initially reassured. Even said he gave my valve 60 more years. BUT, then said as he was leaving, that he recommeded prophylatic antibiotics and wanted me to come back in a year for a follow-up echo. That doesn't sound like nothing to me.

My questions to you are: does this sound like nothing? Does aortic valve thickening = aortic valve sclerosis &/or stenosis, and is this progressive?? He didn't mention anything abour regurg...sin't that why they prescribe abx.

I have a call out to him...what should I ask?? I desperately need reassurance. I don't recall ever feeling so anxious about anything.

[Jaylo1013]

I know this is an old posting, but I just showed some aortic thickening on my echocardiogram today, and I also am stressed now.  I made an appointment to see a cardiologist in February.  I too am athletic--a runner--but I am 61yo female...tall fairly thin with mitral valve prolapse.  I had a stress test today--which was normal.  I did have a echocardiogram 3 years ago which was normal.  How have you been since your initial diagnosis?

[Jeff64]

When I was 40 I had a routine physical. The nurse heard a murmur in my carotid artery. The Dr immediately ordered more tests - turned out I had a bad aortic valve that needed replaced.The difference is my echo revealed regurg.

That was 16 months ago and things are great. I also had the thickening but my annual echo showed it actually thinned a little.

If you are concerned I would meet with a cardiologist to allay your fears. I know what you are going through - find out where you you stand asap and move forward. You will be fine.