mild aortic regurgitation and palpitations

[sheila41]

Hi everyone, although I have been told I have mild auortic regurgitation, I do not know if that is related to heart palpitations specifically.  Mine come on after eating, so would that be a connection to the aortic thing?   It does seeem that the diagnosis in general does not cover every point that bothers us all.   The palpitations can leave me weak for days and unwell.
But on other topics the vagus nerve seems to be one causing the actual problem.   One doc. said my heart murmur was very mild.   O.K.  is a heart murmur the same as the aortic regurgitation problem, or not necessarily so.
My doc. wanted to put me on beta blockers, but until I have the reason for these palpitations sorted out (which they have no answer for as yet)  I will not take drugs, as I am very alergic to them.   Any comments anyone.

[sheila41]

Hi, your comments and observations are very informative. For which I am grateful. My symptoms are thus: The very rapid palps. occur perhaps 3-4 times a year, perhaps less.  I have had them for about the last 5 yrs.  They are frightening as I can only lie down when they happen as I am to weak for anthing. Also I feel very weak and ill for a couple of days after. When I last was in A&E over this, no real explanation, could be anything they say, including the adrenal gland, but not taken up by my doctor. I should I know ask for more tests, but they don't seem to take it seriously, but to me it's horrific whilst it happens and for a couple of days after.  
Interested very much in your observations,  and many thanks.   Sheila 41

[sheila41]

Thank you for your comments, You seem to have had lots of investigation, so I assume you must live in the U.S.A. I have had none, other than echo, ecg, blood tets etc. I do take the asprin that was recommended (blood clots "could" occur) when the heart races.(but why dosn't this risk apply to athletes!!) AND WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE THAT DRINK COFFEE ALL DAY, they don't get palps.
But yes my symptoms and yours are very similar, tiredness, feeling negative, can't walk very fast etc. But I also have food and chemical allergies, and it seems to me that there is a connection between my stomache and the palps.  I was also born in 1938 also, and not having a proper solution does distress me, as it makes me think I can't go anywhere on my own. (Purely in my mind I knows)  but docs. must realise that a vague diagnosis, or not getting to the bottom of something and prescribing drugs without a proper diagnosis, makes worry and doubt creep in to us, and it makes a home within us.
I will keep posting. At the moment the vagus nerve seems relevant also, but no one has yet come up with whether this nerve can be recitified.      Sheila 41

[Sugie1938]

HI, I have had several tests including stress test,CT, and a echocardiogram. This last one shows the Mitral Valve with minimal myxomatour leaflet thickening, is unrestricted. No Prolapse. Trivial mitral regurgiation, no mitral stenosis. The Right Ventricle is mildly enlarged, no hypertrophy, Systolic function normal. Mild right atrial enlargement , interatrial septum appears grossly intact. Pulmonic Valve, structurally normal,mild pulmonic regurgitation. Transvalvular flow velocity normal. Tricuspid Valve, structurally normal, mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation.,Pulmonary stolic pressure, no evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension, estimated PA systolic pressure is 29 mmHg. Pericardium no significant thickening or effusion present.I looked up the Mitral regurgitation, and one cause is Rhumatic Fever I had as child, I am now 70. My cardiologist said that isn't usually a cause, and I was told this test report was nothing for concern.I Have had chest pain, heaviness, hard to explain it, goes up into neck,jaws, feels so weird and bothersome, and sometimes I get a strange feeling up into my head, not like a normal headache. I seem to get tired easy, and feel like I am breathing harder after even a short walk or anything strenous. I have had some of the symptoms for about 1 year, and its gotten so much worse, I need to find the cause and get treatment. I feel pretty much "brushed Off" by the doctor. I am wondering if this is similar to what you have been experiencing, and if anyone else has these strange symptoms.

[Encephalomalcia]

Beta blockers help with the symptoms, but can make a healthy heart weak over time.  How often do you experience your symptoms?  How fast does your heart beat?  Do you have an irregular heart beat?  An irregular heart beat would be a concern.  A heart murmur is an abnormal sound in the heart valves, so the mild regurgitation could be the heart murmur if that is the valve the doctor is hearing.  You need to monitor the valve. Sometimes valves do get better as we get older (it has happened to several people I have spoken with).  The heart murmur can make a person feel more tired than what is normal.  An example would be, the person could have a harder time vacuuming and be more tired afterwards.  Some valves stay the same throughout life and there is no problems until the person is older late 60's or early 70's.  Also, a trace of regurgitation is normal for people 30 and over per my cardiologist.  I have had a trace since mid-thirities.  The question is: Are your symptoms bothersome enought and frequent enough to warrant taking a beta blocker?  Your body will become used to the beta blocker and it is hard to wean off of them. Sounds like your heart symptoms are more from what is an adrenaline problem where adrenaline increases the heart rate.  Exercise, black licorce and caffeine increase adrenaline therefore can trigger an racing heart rate.  You may want to try different foods and make a list.  Some foods increase adrenaline.  Make sure that you are getting enough vitamin B's, vitamin D, and calcium in your diet.  Lack of these can trigger symptoms.  Sometimes diet can change these symptoms.