mitral valve regurgitation

Hi. Assuming they don't manage to find some underlying cause for this, structural defect that becomes more problematic as your heart ages, a disease of some kind (or the aftereffects of a viral infection, say COVID or gum health related...), then it might be an inherited defect, something related to genes. Whatever it turns out to be, the cardiologist has all the numbers of your blood circulation and overall health, and he/she isn't concerned for you. It's still early enough that you can monitor/be monitored as he/she suggests for the rate of deterioration, or maybe it will be largely stable....so why intervene and incur all the risks associated with surgery? So, it really is a numbers game: your risk of advanced heart deterioration versus the risk of surgery, while your blood oxygen and other indicators of health look really good, and so the risk of surgery trumps the risk of letting 'er ride for now. That's it...it's really that simple.

By now you know that a mitral valve can be replaced or repaired, or 'shored up' with an implant to help it do a better job for many more years. That's always the option, but a responsible physician will want you to agree to wait until the burden and risk become greater than the risk of what 'might happen' if they enter your heart and fix the valve.

I ended up being told to go to the emergency room. I was then transported to another regional hospital where I had a transesophageal echocardiogram for more detailed evaluation of the mitral valve and then a heart cath. After that they transferred me to another heart center (Cleveland Clinic) where I ended up with expedited mitral valve repair and double bypass. They had been watching this intermittently for over eleven years. Don't be afraid to get another opinion.

It will get worse. I had the surgery which repaired the valve. Piece of cake. Sore and hurt but no real pain. Just do it and get it over-with. Find a good surgeon.

I was diagnosed at age 34 with MVR and was told the same. It was mild at the time. I would go every two years for a check up. Knowing the symptoms I made sure I made the best lifestyle choices to lessen the symptoms and feel good. I trust my cardiologist whom I still see so when he told me the same thing I trusted his expertise and got on with life. At age 57 I had my first Afib episode so started seeing my cardiologist more often. Every 3-4 months staying on top whatever tests were necessary. The Afib continued so I had an ablation in 5/2023. Best choice I made. I’m now 65 and have just went to moderate on my MVR a few years ago. I still feel good and continue to get the necessary tests to be sure we catch it early if I get in the severe range. I workout but I stay away from certain exercises that put too much strain on a person with MVR. If you are still unsure how you feel about it, get a second opinion. Best wishes to you on this journey.

Hello @daisy11 and welcome. I see that this is your first post on Mayo Connect. I appreciate you sharing your story on MVR on the forum. Members sharing their experiences helps us all deal more effectively with our health issues. Your comment about getting a second opinion was wise.

You mentioned that you have followed healthy lifestyle choices and avoided exercises that would put too much strain on your heart. Would you like to describe more about those choices and the exercises that you have avoided?

Hi @oligarcia, the outcomes for surgery are better before you get symptoms of congestive heart failure (shortness of breath), and it's also better to repair a valve vs replace it.
Your husband's advice is good - it's best to consult with a cardiologist. I agree with @mikaylar.
You said your condition wakes you up at night. Is that because you're short of breath or is it anxiety and worry?
I had a mitral valve repair five years ago before I had any symptoms and I'm glad I had it done then. Since then I've developed other disorders which would have complicated things.

Teri is right. Just get it done. You never know what other issues will pop up in the meantime. As we get older, we are bound to encounter illnesses. Don't complicate your life.

Hello @oligarcia, I combined your discussion with an existing discussion posted by @mikena, titled:

"mitral valve regurgitation"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mitral-valve-regurgitation/

I did this so you could meet other members who have been recently diagnosed or have shared their experiences going through the initial stages of being diagnosed. @tsc, @catsunn, and @saganjames shared their stories and may be able to speak to how they handled their initial diagnosis.

@oligarcia, you mentioned you are still active and eat healthy, are these activities that your current provider said you should continue with? Were any symptoms discussed that needed to be addressed if they grow worse?

Before my mitral valve repair was scheduled, the cardiologist told me to "keep doing what I was doing" exercise wise. I never mentioned that I had a black belt in Judo and was working out regularly in the kid's class. It was better than working out with adults for me, but it was still strenuous.
A few months later I saw the cardiologist and told him I was still working out at Judo, figuring I would stop when I couldn't catch my breath. I can still remember the look of horror on his face, and the sharp, "Don't do that!" Then he explained that I was like someone in a parachute with a few strings holding me to it and I should be careful not to break any more strings.
From this, I learned it's best (for doctors and patients) not to assume anything and always seek clarification.

I will gladly share my lifestyle choice. I don't drink or smoke. I am a vegan eating healthy option. I am also gluten free. I make all my meals and eat outside food once every week or two that are still healthy. I rarely cheat but if a family member makes some sweets which they did during the holidays I will. I meditate every morning and evening. I lift weights that are light to medium weight and are heavy enough to tone my muscles but not straining. I do aerobic type exercise as well as some yoga and pilates but avoid the plank, push ups on my toes which can be straining. On my knees it's less strenuous I avoid anything that takes my head below my heart. I'll do push ups against a counter so I'm more upright. I don't do high intensity exercises. When playing racquetball I monitor my heart rate with my Apple Watch as I play so it doesn't go over 135. I play less these days. It was discovered at my stress test on a treadmill that my heart didn't like going over 140. I avoid sudden stops and burst of energy exercises which I have read are not good for someone with moderate to severe MVR. I have moderate. I stay at a good weight, 5'5" 116lbs. I try to stay stress free as much as possible. I keep a positive attitude. I think with having doctor visits more often where we check my bloodwork and heart function I'm not as worried knowing I have a check in every 3-4 months. Plus having my Apple Watch and my Kardia device, I can quickly check my heart rhythm if anything feels concerning. I was diagnosed at 34 and have been living this way since and at 65 feel great!