Question about leaky valve

[Guy76]

Hey all I'm a 36 year old male with a mild leaky valve for the past 3-4 years. I get it checked every year by my cardiologist. According to him all is well and not to worry. What's strange is since my latest visit which was last week I've been getting more symptoms. Slight discomfort on my left arm and fingers, feelings like I'm going to pass out but don't. Also dizziness and palps only at night don't matter if I'm sitting or standing. My question could my valve open more that fast after my latest examination??

Thanks

[Guy76]

I will. Funny thing is I haven't had any symptoms since I posted. Regardless I'm gonna make an appointment and let him know. I'll fill you all in.

[Paulalex]

You best inform your cardiologist about these new symptoms.
My cardiologist always asks me if I feel dizzy or have palpatations
these are key symptoms in cardiology. Get er done go see your doctor
make him aware.

[achillea]

All four of my valves are somewhat leaky, too.  My cardiologist says it's really, really common to have some leakage, especially as one ages.  But there is one valve that should NOT leak, and that's a biggie:  It is the aortic valve, the one that sends oxygenated blood from the left ventricle out to the body.   Backflow into the left ventricle is not a Good Thing.

My aortic valve is mildly leaky, and because of that, I get a scan every year to keep an eye on it.  Sometimes, this one has to be replaced to avoid damage to the heart.

Guy, you say you saw your cardio just last week and were told everything is OK?  It probably is, but since you do have leaks somehwere, it would be a good idea to call and report these new symptoms.

[Jerry_NJ]

New symptoms should be discussed with your doctor, not necessarily your cardiologist unless you are of the belief that the symptoms are heart related.  Sometimes we need to be checked by the generalist, primary care doctor.   I'd not expect a primary care to try to overlap your specialist, but your symptoms may be caused by factors than the hear.

As for a leaky valve, I believe that is very common.  There are four valves that I can recall, any or all of which may have a detectable leak.  The mitral valve is one that is frequently mentioned.   Given you have been diagnosed it is good that it is checked periodically, but I am surprised so often as once a year.  My valves are checked using the echocardiogram method and my insurance (now Medicare) will not allow that more than once every 3 years unless it is needed for reasons other than a check, e.g., per-operative for for other specific treatment.  For reference I had a leaky mitral valve for a number of years, maybe all my life, and it did require surgery to repair it when I reached 67 years of age.