Mitral Valve & Tricuspid valve regurgitation: when to see a cardiologist?

By the way i just turned 43 yrs. Old and female. Never had heart issues before until i went to the dr. For a check up she heard a loud murmur had an echo cardiogram done and was Dx with mitral and tricuspid valave. Im relative healthy, i was exercising regularly until this past fall and winter, ive been feeling more fatigued, i thought it was the winter blues and work schedule. When i tried to exercise, i tire out. Help.
Thank you.

If you are feeling discomfort and passed out from a heart issue, I would not be too satisfied with a come back in 5 years answer. I would seek a second opinion from a doctor who will actually listen to you and address your concerns. At a minimum, it would seem to me that you should be seen and have an echo every year.

Welcome to Connect @mikkeleo. I agree with @cynaburst. Five years is a long time. You know your body best. If the fatigue is affecting your ability to exercise, then I'd want to know how much and what type of exercise is good for you with this diagnosis.

Here's some info from Mayo Clinic on tricuspid valve regurgitation http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tricuspid-valve-regurgitation/home/ovc-20120489 It includes tips on self-management as well as video with Dr. Dearani, one of the best (and nicest) cardiovascular surgeons in the country and beyond.

Have you started being active again?

If you're noticing symptoms worsening, I agree with @cynaburst and @colleen_young on seeking a second opinion.

Here are some resources that explain how to go about that, since it might be a new experience and it's common to have hesitations doing so:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/ConsumerHealthCare/Getting-a-Second-Medical-Opinion_UCM_434325_Article.jsp#.Vwus_j-hK70

Thank you all very much. I was so shocked to hear this Dx. Never thought i would have a heart issue, ive always been an active hiker, runner and biker. However, this past 2 years ive noticed my energy level just wasnt the same. I blamed it on moving from sunny AZ where i lived for the past 16 yrs , back to cold and dreary Iowa to be near family.
I will call my primary and have them suggest a cardiologist for a 2nd opinion.

My echocardigram results were good, but there was one issue that I questioned, if I should see a cardiologist for future testing. The exact statement from the reporti is: "Valvular structures reveals a trace to mild tricuspid regurgitation". Even though the report is good that statement set a red flag for me. Should I see a cardiologist at this time or am I overreacting? I have symptoms pertaining to this condition but my thyroid test results indicated hyperthyroidism, which also give the same symptoms.

Welcome to Connect, @grandma47.
I moved your message to this discussion thread so you could meet other members talking about tricuspid valve regurgitation. It sounds like you have questions that would be best answered by a specialist, especially if you have symptoms. In the article from Mayo Clinic, they advise to see your doctor when "you have signs or symptoms of heart failure — such as feeling easily fatigued or short of breath, even with normal activity..."
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tricuspid-valve-regurgitation/symptoms-causes/dxc-20120490
I'm also bringing @skooter27 @topaz @vdouglas and @cyndiblaw into the discussion as they may have additional thoughts. @mikkeleo how are you doing? Did you see a cardiologist or get a second opinion?

Thank you for such a quick response. It was most appreciated.<br />
Unfortunately my primary doctor has not gotten back to me, on this matter<br />
and my abnormal TSH and T4 free test; this ha made me uneasy. I took it<br />
upon myself and saw an endocrinologist yesterday, and made adjustments to<br />
my medication and took more blood work to check adrenaline functioning.<br />
I'm wondering if I should take the bull by it horns and see a<br />
cardiologist. I am looking forward to reading others of their experience<br />
with the same issue.<br />
Thanks again,<br />
<br />
Have a great day!<br />
Grandma47<br />

Hi @grandma47<br />
<br />
The high anxiety of heart related issues can, in my opinion, be the most difficult aspect of dealing with this type of illness. I can understand your concern and I'm sorry you have to deal with this. You are definitely not alone Dealing with these symptoms. <br />
Generally the most important part of a physician presenting a diagnosis is to reassure the patient and address any concerns they may have.<br />
I have also experienced your symptoms. They are extremely frightening. My diagnosis is different than yours. I experience premature ventricular contractions (PVC's), Tachycardia (controlled with beta blockers), takes my breath away, makes me start to faint. Feels like the panic and shock of falling off a cliff. I have dealt with this so long that when it happens now I hold my breath and bear down until normal rhythm resumes. I have convinced myself that it will not take my life. Beta blockers and low dose anxiety medication have allowed me to feel much better. I am not saying this will work for your diagnosis but there is always hope. <br />
Make an appointment with your doctor and let him know that you are having trouble convincing yourself that it is safe to wait 5 years. Let your doctor know that you are suffering tremendous anxiety because of your symptoms. <br />
<br />
What tests have you had if you don't mind me asking. Are you taking Meds?<br />
<br />
Hang in there, you will be fine!

Thank you for your supported comments. I appreciate you sharing of the anxiety that comes when you hear of this health issue even if at this time is not a serious problem. I see my internist this Thurs to discuss this matter. If he does not think I need a cardiologist at this time I'm going to tell him, i will feel more secure of being under a cardiologist care now to prevent an unfortunate future event with my heart failing me. I'm almost 70 andi believe in prevented healthcare. Again, thank you for your advice and support. It was most appreciate. Take care and God bless!