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

Hello I’m a new member here. I’m diagnosed with abnormal mitral valve anterior leaflet. large leaflet.they say heart works normal.I don’t have mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation. But I need to do echocardiogram every 3-5 years. I’m worried!! Anyone heard of this condition

Hello @bruloi and welcome to Mayo Connect. We are glad that you posted your concerns regarding your abnormal mitral valve anterior leaflet. I can understand your concern. Any problems with the heart seems especially daunting, doesn't it?

The fact that you are fold that your heart works "normal" sounds good. Also that you only need an echocardiogram every 3-5 years also sounds encouraging.

If you feel comfortable sharing a bit more, would you mind telling us what led to this diagnosis? Was it during a routine screening or were you having symptoms? Did your doctor explain how this abnormality came about (i.e., was it genetic or a result of an illness or infection)? Are there others in your family with similar problems?

I would also like to invite others into this conversation. Please meet @bjanderson @tomonthebeach @carnes @lyndylou @frande @dave2455 @shakuni11 @ch246cf10 @lizm53 @tavrm, and volunteer mentor @predictable. These Members may also have some thoughts for you.

We look forward to getting to know you and supporting you during this time of learning and investigating. Most of us have found that the more knowledge we have about a health problem, the better we can cope with it. Please also remember that getting a second opinion. is always in your best interests where you feel a concern.

Teresa

I was diagnosed with abnormal mitral valve prominent anterior leaflet. with no mitral valve prolapse and no regurgitation. is this dangerous ?

Hi @bruloi,

Thank you for sharing your concerns in this discussion about mitral valve disorders. You will notice that I moved your earlier messages to this group as well; I did this so that the members in this group, who are following this discussion will be informed about your posts, and will hopefully return to share their insights.
In the meantime here is some information from Mayo Clinic, about mitral valve disorders, that you may wish to read:
– https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mitral-valve-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20355107

Hello @bruloi ,

I would like to add my welcome to Mayo Connect and I also thank you for sharing with the group. It certainly does cause a lot of worry and anxiety when a doctor tells you that something is not right with your heart, or any part of your body for that matter.

I have been living with Mitral Valve Prolapse for about 51 years, diagnosed about 40 yrs ago. My valve leaflets fold backward occasionally. This is found on my Grandmothers side of my family and in my case I believe it is a, genetic defect of connective tissue.

My symptoms are many but an irregular heart rhythm is the most bothersome. Worry and anxiety are my two biggest struggles as they only make my symptoms worse.

As a patient have been told by my cardiologist that Mitral Valve Prolapse is quite common. The severity can vary as well as the symptoms. With Mitral Valve Prolapse or MVP, as some refer to it, the valve leaflets can thicken over time.

You do not have prolapsing (folding) of the valve, on the last echo, no regurgitation (leakage), no enlargement or thickening other than a small amount affecting one of the leaflets. Your cardiologist is watching this as it should be.

With the information you have provided and based upon my experience as a patient, I would think you should have a cautious degree of concern but not worry. Follow the directives of your cardiologist and go on with life unless there is a reason to worry. I'm going to say it is no more dangerous than crossing a street or driving an automobile. These are my views based upon my experience.

How are you doing? I hope you are doing well and managing the anxiety. Best wishes to you.

Von @vdouglas

Thank you for the advice @vdouglass. I’m doing good.

Hello @hopeful33250. I was having some fast heartbeats, I did lots of ekg and they all came back normal. Doctors didn’t even wanted to schedule me an echocardiogram because they said everything looks normal. But than I said i was told I have mitral valve prolapse 10 years ago.told them I did another echocardiogram in 2015and showed no sign of prolapse.So than finally they scheduled me an echo.after the echo they said i have a larger and smaller leaflet, not normal. but that’s how the leaflets are shaped. they said doesn’t show prolapse or regurgitation.And heart works normally

I don’t have any family history of this.

@bruloi After reading your various posts I was wondering if you have ever consulted with a Structural Heart Specialist. These are cardiologists with specific training in valve disorders and other structural matters pertaining to the heart. You will probably find them at a large medical center (such as a medical school or a larger medical research center such as a Mayo facility). Perhaps a consult with one of these doctors would help you to know that you are on the right track with both follow up as well as treatment.

Do you live near a medical school or a large medical research center? Are you taking any meds for the rapid heartbeat?

Teresa

@bruloi ,
That is good to hear that you are doing well. How did you discover that you had a fast heartbeat? Is that what led to your original diagnosis of MVP?
Von