MV Regurgitation Just Diagnosed

[Emmah81]

I currently live in China and am having problems communicating with doctors in regards to my heart problems... So I'm desperately hoping for some advice on this website!

I have been very tired, have awful chest pains every time I exercise (and often when I'm resting) I have trouble breathing when I lie down, my hands shake, I urinate excessively, I have fainted on a couple of occasions, and my heart regularly makes a very loud 'frog-like' sound.

I STUPIDLY ignored these symptoms for a long time because I thought they might be 'in my head'.

I had terrible chest pains last Thursday and decided to go to the local hospital specialized in heart problems... The first doctor told me I had a serious murmur and a mid and late systolic click... He was amazed that I hadn't been diagnosed before and sent me for an echo.

The doctor giving me the echo was also amazed. His English was not very good but he managed to ask me whether I had life insurance!!! : (

I was diagnosed with severe mitral insufficiency (regurgitation) and atrial fibrillation. They told me to return to England NOW for heart surgery... However, I am reluctant to return if I'm going to be told I don't need surgery for another year or so.

I have spoken to 3 docors since (all in China) and they all advise surgery within the next 6 months.

However... I'd really like some information from someone in the UK or US and I'm hoping that someone might be able to advise me based on the following information:

27yr old Female
140lbs
5ft7

IVSTd: 9.5mm
LVDd: 57mm
LVDs: 38mm
LVPWTd: 9.5mm
AoD: 30mm
LAD: 40mm
EF: 60-61%
PA: 0.7m/s
E: 0.8m/s
A: 0.5m/s
E/A: 1.6
Ao: 1.3m/s

I have researched and researched on the internet since but seem to be getting mixed messages.

Do I need to get back to the UK for surgery NOW?!? Or can I wait a year with very litle risk?

ANY advice would be sooooooooooooo gratefully received! I feel very cut-off from 'the real world' right now!

Thanks in advance,

Emma

[kenkeith]

I first learned I had severe mitral valve regurgitation more tnan 5 years ago.  The doctor and I agree to avoid surgery intervention until there are symptoms.  

A renown heart valve surgeon associated with Mayo Clinic has stated the biggest problem he sees is that the patient waited too long.  If one waits too long the left ventricle will enlarge and the EF (ejection fraction...percentage of blood pumped with each heartbeat).  The risk of a favorable outcome is compromised.

Presently, you have an EF 60%-61 (normal is 55% to 75%) and your left ventricle is 39mm (normal is 35 to 57 mm).  Your heart's parameters are good at the resent time, and how fast unfavorable conditions develop is a risk!  Your symptoms indicate immediate intervention for the most favorable outcome and waiting is a risk.  I dojn't believe you will be asked to wiat!!