Palpitations and Possible Heart Valve Regurgitation

[Jenn1302]

Hello Everyone,

I am a female in my 20's, my weight is normal, I eat healthy and exercise regularly. I had an echocardiogram a few weeks ago and the results came back "normal", but based on the echo report 4 of my heart valves have traces of regurgitation.

I have been experiencing palpitations (PVCs and PACs) over the past year or so. Could the palpitations be related to the traces of valve regurgitation?  If so, can this problem be cured?  Does anyone here happen to know what could cause traces of valve problems at such a young age? Thank you in advance.

[Smiley2000]

I know how irritating the extra/missing beats can be! and unfortunately by worrying about it, you feed your heart adrenalin and that makes it 10 times worse!

Avoid coffee and caffeine and add a banana per day, to your diet!  banana's are high in potassium and it is good for your heart.

all the best :)

[Jenn1302]

Thank you for your informative response. I was hypothyroid at the time (I have Hashimoto's). My sodium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride and potassium were checked around the same time and they came back normal. Other electrolytes were checked about a year before when I was diagnosed with PVCs and the results came back normal. But I was told that my magnesium was at the low end of normal.

It's not that I'm concerned about the PVCs. I just find them extremely annoying, because I can feel them. They feel like someone's pounding on my chest and I really hate it.

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

When one or more Valves have regurgitation, you most likely have Barlow's Syndrome.  If you do research on it, you'll find out that it is a benign condition, very common finding on an echo and nothing to be concerned about.  As you grow older, you'll actually fully outgrow it as the tissue tend to become stronger with time.

PVC's and PAC's are also very common and nothing to be concerned about.

Did the doctor do bloodtests to check your Thyroid function and electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, etc.?

There are a number of reasons why you would experience palpitations and anxiety about your valves can definitely contribute, so the best is to read up on Barlow's syndrome.

All the best and please let me know how you are doing.  I hope my answer to you was helpful.