mitral valve regurgitation and mild heart muscle weakness

[rfr]

I am 41 yrs old and just went for a physical.  The MD.  found a murmur and followed up with echo, ekg, and blood work.  Ekg and blood work were normal.  Echo found mitral valve regurgitation and mild heart muscle weakness.  I am scheduled for a follow up with a cardiologist but really don't understand the heart muscle weakness.  Is that ever benign or reversible?  What does that mean?  I am thin and in good shape with no previous symptoms.

[ll70]

Hi there i have MR i have seen 2 caardio and they ask me to have a check every year its trivial regurgitation. I told them i fell a click but they dont really sound worry with that not like me who is really panic from that plus im 38 years and i found really scary this condiction. Can somebody tell me something about it? what about exercise with little weights it ok?

[often]

Mitral valve regurg is pretty common....most of us have some.  And today's technology finds smaller and smaller amounts.  I had moderate with an ef of 10-13% on diagnosis.  With meds, proper diet and a pacemaker to synchronize my ventricles, I am at normal size, normal function.  So yeh...it is reversible...if yours is mild and the expectation is a yearly check, then I would not be overly concerned.  Get that sodium intake down under 2000 mg per day and do continue to exercise.  It sounds to me that if you do have a problem, it is very early and you are on the right course in seeing a cardio.

[rfr]

Thanks for the information.  It is very helpful.  I thought I needed to check the EF so I will do that at the appt.   I will update you after I see the cardiologist.  

Thanks again, rfr

[Momto3]

I've been told that MR can lead to cardiomyopathy, but unless your MR is worsening that is probably not what's going on.  It sounds like you will probably have annual echos to keep watch on the MR.  Sometimes, we develop cardiomyopathy for no identifiable reason (idiopathic).  You may be given an ACE inhibitor and/or a beta blocker to reduce the workload on your heart.  Sometimes that helps to get the heart back "in shape" (normal size).

Do you know your ejection fraction?  A "normal" EF is generally 55-70% and readings are usually given with a +/- 5% variant.  By weakened heart, your doctor may be referring to your EF.  You may find it helpful to obtain a copy of the report.  That helped me a lot...I was able to understand the doctor's explanations and ask questions.

A TEE is a transesophageal echocardiogram.  The test is done using a scope (down the throat) to get up close pictures of the valves.  It doesn't sound like your going to need one.  But, if your doctor decides to refer you for the test, don't worry.  It's sounds worse than it is.  I was given medication to put me in a twilight state and went home a couple hours later.

My weakened heart (cardiomyopathy) was discovered when I was 43.  I was put on an ACE inhibitor (prinivil at the time).  In many situations no cause is discovered, but can still be treated.  Try and find out your ejection fraction.  That is usually the number referred to when discussing cardiomyopathy, or weakened muscle.  The fact the the MR is mild is great!!  

My doctors were aggressive in treating the cardiomyopathy, but I'm not sure I asked about a prognosis.  Some general suggestions may include watching your salt intake and getting some form of regular exercise.  Don't be surprised if your given an RX (or 2).  Good luck with your appointment and please keep us posted.  

Connie

[rfr]

Hi Connie,

The internist said the MR was mild and most likely the cardiologist would just want to repeat echo 1x per year.  The thing I am more worried about is the "weak heart".  She said it was mild but still not normal for a 41 yr old female in good health.  I have an appointment with the cardiologist in  week.  I just want to hear one benign reason for a weak heart.  Everything I read about a weak heart leads to cardiomyopathy.  Have the Doctor's told you that is serious or progressive?   Could mild MR cause the heart to weaken?  I exercise regularly and now don't know if I should hold off until after the appt.    What is a TEE?  I have no specific details about my tests because I have not seen the report yet.

Thanks,  rfr

[Momto3]

Hi rfr,

Heart murmurs are very common, but their presence can range from "innocent" to more serious.  Great news on the EKG and blood work!  I also have mitral valve regurgitation, and a few years back developed cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle).  Turns out my cardiomyopathy was a result of having a lot of PVC's.  Once the PVC's were essentially eliminated, my heart remodeled itself and is no longer considered to be weak.  Did your doctor indicate how weak?  Yes, there are medications that can sometimes strengthen the heart muscle.  However, when someone has severe mitral regurgitation and a weakened heart, sometimes surgery to repair/replace the valve is the best option.  Ideally, if we need a valve "fixed" a repair is better than a replaced.  But, there is a window of opportunity for repair.  All that said, you may not be a surgical candidate at all.  Your MR may not require any intervention, with the exception of keeping an eye on it (for changes).  

I was referred for a surgical consult several years ago, and the TEE (different type of echo), revealed I did not have "severe" regurgitation, and was not a candidate for surgery.  According to my most recent stress echo, I have "at least moderate regurgitation" but it has been that way for years.  Did the doctor give you any idea as to what he is thinking, or will you find out on your follow up visit?  Try not to worry.  There are other people on these boards who are familiar with MR, so hang in there.

Connie