Multi- valvular heart disease

Hi @bkvfuller and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I am sorry to hear the news of your most recent echo and the increasing symptoms you are having like the fatigue and shortness of breath. I'd like to invite @nw945, @bjanderson, @davej, and @yoanne to the discussion as they have all dealt with heart valve issues or surgery. I also included a Video Q&A and a Podcast below that you might be interested in.
- Video Q&A Valvular Heart Disease - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-valvular-heart-disease

- Podcast: minimally invasive surgery for mitral valve repairs - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/minimally-invasive-surgery-for-mitral-valve-repair/

Is a heart cath something that you are willing to do to determine pulmonary hypertension? Have you sought a second opinion with someone who may feel confident to due the procedure?

Hello Amanda and thank you for the reply and information. I would be willing to undergo a heart cath if it would resolve questions and my concerns about what might be going on with my right side elevated blood pressure. I have read several articles that a right heart cath is the "gold standard" for making that determination. I have a heavy history of cardiac disease, family member with bypass surgery and heart valve replacement, most well before my age of 64. I have not sought a 2nd opinion for this. Thank you again for the information and response.

If you can get to rochester mn see dr rehka mankad for second opinion. Her knowledge and professionalism is like no other I have seen. She will read the past charts have an in depth conversation with you asking questions and about those tests and results and your symptoms you are now having and you will both come up with a treatment plan, she did for me and I know she will do that for you also

Hello @bkvfuller,

As someone with a lifetime history of valve disease (since age 11), I would concur about the importance of getting a second opinion. I would also recommend that you seek this second opinion from a well-respected heart center. Perhaps an institution like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or a university medical school in your vicinity.

I have also had a heart cath. They often do it through the wrist now. Much easier than through the groin and there are often fewer complications afterward. You might ask what route your doctor is planning on taking.

Can you get a second opinion at a heart center like these mentioned?

Hello Teresa, Thank you for the reply and the information. I will look into a well known heart center. Stay safe.

Hi davej, I appreciate the information. I doubt that I can travel that far for treatment, but will consider it. Stay safe.

What state do you live in? Mayo is in AZ and florida. Cleveland clinic is also very good good luck davej

I was diagnosed with severe tricuspid regurgitation in 2015. I was, also, 64. Along with that I have HF with preserved ejection fraction and mild pulmonary hypertension and Afib. Despite all of that I feel pretty good. Noticed more tiredness and out of breath while walking. I still try to keep active. Tricuspid repair or replacement will be in my future. I highly suggest you get over to Mayo..... they are the best! Best of luck to you.

Hello @bjanderson
It is always good to hear from another person with heart valve problems who is staying active and doing the best under the circumstances. You mentioned that you have a preserved EF. Are you taking meds to help with your symptoms? I'm wondering if your doctor has given you any idea as to when the value repair or replacement might take place?

I am glad to know that you are doing well after your 2015 diagnosis. Trying to keep active is a good thing. I will keep looking for a good heart center to get a 2nd opinion. Take care and stay safe.