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Has anyone dealt with trivial tricuspid regurgitation?
Hello, I just had a echocardiogram done for shortness of breath and occasional rapid heartbeat (I also feel an electric sense in my chest when it happens) and my husband was alarmed by the amount of leakage he saw during the test. My results from the echo were trivial tricuspid regurgitation and Trace pulmonic valvular regurgitation. Our research tells us that the tricuspid regurgitation will only get worse. My doctor says we can speak with a cardiologist about it if we want, but that it's likely not bad enough to be causing my symptoms. I wondered if anyone has experience with just "trace" and "trivial" if it causes symptoms, and if they did go to a cardiologist about it or wait a few years till it does get worse?
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I should also add the point that everyone before me in my family has died of heart disease.
@justineh Welcome to Mayo Connect, where you will find patients and caregivers to share their stories and experiences.
I can tell you that I was told MANY years ago that with heart disease on both sides of my family, I needed to be extra vigilant in how I lived and in watching for signs and symptoms. My maternal grandfather "turned his life around" after a severe heart attack in 1954, and lived 27 more years. My Dad survive quintuple bypass surgery, only to die several years later from cancer. And my Mom survived a number of strokes, then succumbed to congestive heart failure at 81. My grandad's heart attack was a wakeup call to the whole family, and we were raised on a very healthy diet. Fried chicken, red meat & homemade doughnuts went from being dietary staples to special treats, and 2-3 veggies were served at every dinner
When my siblings, cousins and I had any hint of hypertension or heart issues, we jumped right on it. We are all still kicking it in our 70's, although several have had stents or bypass surgeries and most of us are on BP or cholesterol meds. I have NO doubt that the story would have been much different if we "just waited."
You don't tell us your age or any other issues you might have, but if I were in your shoes, I would see a cardiologist for a baseline evaluation. And I would find that doctor by asking family and friends for recommendations.
Have your siblings or cousins had heart issues too?
@justineh
I would certainly consult a cardiologist but I will share what mine told me.
My echo (also for sob) showed Mild tricuspid regurgitation velocity of 2.39 m/s and mitral valve mild regurgitation along with moderate increase of left ventricle and systolic pressure.
My cardiologist (right or wrong) told me that it is nothing to be alarmed about and about normal for my age which is 65 male physically active. Not saying you should go by my cardiologist just sharing. I have about every test there is from pulmonologist, cardiologist and general with no answer for sob. I hope you can find answers for yourself.
I have been dealing with congenital heart disease all my life. I was diagnosed at 6 weeks. I am 75 years old. I have had trace or mild regurgitation in all valves at different times and some consistently for years. Dr’s are not concerned about trace or mild issues. Just because you have trace or mild does not mean that it will worsen over time. I don’t know if you have regular echo’s done, but you can check up on the leakage when you do. I would not be concerned . Good luck!!