should i take action...what can i do?

[TOMSHIRL]

I am a 54 yr old female, with a family history of heart disease.  I also have Asthma and high blood pressure.  I have for the last 8+ weeks been very short of breath and had a dry hacking cough. Have been treated with steriods, 2 go rounds of it. no change. they did a pulmonary function and dr told me it was normal. had a 2D echocardiogram. Dr also told me normal. I asked for a copy of the test results. this is what coclusions were.: Preserved left ventricular function noted. Distolic dysfunction was noted.  Mild to moderate mitral and and mild tricuspid regurgitation were noted.Trace aortic and mild pulmonary insufficiency were noted. Diastolic dysfunction noted.  My Family practitioner told me.  No action needed to be taken at this time.  Should i seek a second opinion?  My mom had 2 heart surgeries, 2 bypases surgeries and one was at Cleveland clinic, were they also did a porcline mitral valve replacement.  I don't want to wait till i have a heart attack to do something can i do something now?

[Flycaster305]

What drugs other drugs are you taking?  ACE inhibitors cause the type of cough you describe.   Was the Diastolic Dysfunction described in any more detail?  Mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation is very common, but more common in people (like me) who are older.

Given your familial history and your symptoms, I agree with mammo, I'd ask for an opinion from a Cardiologist.

[mammo]

Yes, get a second opinion.  You don't want to wait until it is an emergency situation.  It's great that you realize heredity plays a big role in our health!  Don't just accept "no action needed at this time" ask why not, when and why."  Google everything from your report so that you have all the right questions to ask your cardiologist, while educationg yourself along the way.