mvp with regurgitation

[sarageorg]

HELLO.  I went to my family Doctor in March.  She suspected something might be wrong with my heart. (Family History of Heartaches) So, she requested that I get a Stress and ECG done.  I did that and found out that I have Mitral Valve Prolapse with regurgitation.  I am not sure how severe.  I also have Ischemia.  I have an appointment with a Cardiologist on the 13th.  Not a Cleveland Clinic Doctor, But one from Wooster, oh (who would use surgeons from Akron General).  I have a couple questions?  What should I be asking this Doctor?  And am I making the right decision to go with the Doctor from Wooster, when the Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic are near also.  I choose the Doctor from Wooster because of Him being my fathers Doctor and came highly recommended.  How do you know when this is Severe case or not.  I have alot of the signs but, just thought I was getting older.  Now 47, Female.  Thanks for any advice.

[Momto3]

Hi again....Me too, always learning.  Yes, they generally grade the leak form 1-4, with 1 being the least.  It goes something like this:

1 - trivial, physiolgical, minimal (lots of people have this)
2-  mild
3 - moderate
4 - severe

Not everyone has ischemia, but I'm sure the doctor can explain how that may, relate to your situation.  

Yes, I am doing well.  I am in Cleveland twice a year for rechecks, an echo and a stress echo.  Two years ago I moved to NC, so my check ups give me a chance to visit with family/friends in Ohio.  Feel free to email me at ***@**** if you want to talk more....It's always nice to chat with people who are in similar situations : 0

Be sure to put something in the subj line so I will know's it's you....and not spam.  Thanks!  

[sarageorg]

I am learning.  So from what I understand, there is a scale of 1-4 for the severness of the leak.  Good.  I will ask about that Friday.  What about Ischemia?  Do they rate that, or does everyone with MVP have that.  Connie are you ok.  I would love to talk more.  ????

[sarageorg]

I done some research and found a site that talked about the new surgery.  Da Vinci Surgical System.  It is a non-avasive heart surgery.  I am going to check more into it, if it comes to that.  

[Momto3]

Hello : )

I also have MVP/MR, and have known about it for about 25 years.  My valve is said to be leaking 2-3+ on a scale of 1-4.  I have a cardiologist/EP at a major Cleveland hospital, but also have a cardio at CCF in case I ever need surgical repair/replacement.  In 2000, my cardio thought I might be "ready" for a valve repair, so she referred me to CCF.  She said that although replacements are done at lots of hospitals (including the one where she works), repairs can be tricky and require lots of experience.  Repairs, if possible, are usually considered superior to replacements.  That's where the clinic really outshines the other hospitals.  I went to CCF for an echo and TEE, and they said I was not a surgical candidate...You can bet I was running outta there!

If you feel comfortable with your local doctor I think that's fine.  Just be sure he/she is willing to refer you, especially if you would ever be a candidate for a REPAIR....

You may want to ask the doctor how he/she would "rate" your leak?  Although the transthoracic echo (standard echo) is not as accurate as the transesophageal echo (TEE), he/she should have a pretty good idea.  Your doctor should be able to tell you if your symptoms correlate to your heart valve leak.  I can totally relate to not knowing if it's the valve, or being forty something.  And, of course, add the female element, and it's anyone's guess : )

Good luck with your appointment!

Connie

[wildcat27]

be sure to have them do another echo and maybe even a TEE to make sure what level of regurge you have.

Also, make sure that you get a second opinion...and if you are near cleveland it only makes sense to go there.

if surgery is recommended I would go with the CC docs...but you may or may not be on track for that. If the regurge is only mild or even mild to moderate it may or may not get any worse.

good luck...

[kitcurious]

The summary report that accompanied your echo will give an estimation regarding the level of severity. You are entitled to have that report faxed to you at you request.