My symptoms oF Tricuspid are progressing faster than expected

Posted by richardgarabedian @richardgarabedian, Feb 20 5:07pm

I am only 37. and male. So I was only just diagnosed with tricuspid valve regurgitation (TVR) a few months ago. This was about when i had my first symptom, I thought i was dying of a heart attack. The doctor told me i had TVR and basically told me to come back in 5-10 years. I did not like his answer. But I continued to live my life, trying to take it easier.

But lately It seems to have become worse, First, my neck will start pulsing, a short time later my arms with start shaking, and within 30 minutes i will have an episode, then become very tired afterwards. I have learned to pull over when my neck pulses to avoid an accident. I drive a lot for work. I am going back to this same doctor next month though. But i am rather worried about the rapid progression and I just wanted to know if there were others like me and if you have any suggestions? Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

I'm no expert, but it might be a form of tachyarrhythmia, maybe atrial fibrillation, maybe aortic spasm....but it seems to me you should have a Holter monitor on for a week or two if these episodes are infrequent. You obviously feel 'something', and it is sufficiently imposing and dreadful that you know you are liable to have an accident. Maybe you need to consult another cardiologist.

REPLY

I would definitely go to the ER next time that happens so they can do labs/EKG and expedite any referrals and additional testing.

REPLY

I suggest starting with a cardiologist (I’m assuming the doc you saw was your primary). She/he will be able to tell you a lot more.
I have MVP and have a cardiologist monitoring.

REPLY

So I ( the original poster) created this post on behalf of my twin brother, he Has the TVR , but not me somehow. My brother tells me all of his symptoms, but for some reason refuses to do any research about it himself. He even still attempts to do pushups, thinking that will make his heart stronger, even though i tell him do walk instead, bike, etc.
So anyways he actually went to his primary doctor on Wednesday (the only doctor he has seen), And his doctor somehow convinced him that it (the neck pulse and arm tremble) was heartburn. I am so angry, and told him his doctor sucks and that he should see a cardiologist, but He said are you better than the doctor at his own job? And I had to back off. He wants to believe that it is nothing major even though he was definitely diagnosed with TVR through a heart sonogram

I am just super worried about my brother, and his attitude towards the whole situation. For weeks his heart hurt every day, and he is a ac/heat technician with no plans to change careers. I would like to think that I am over reacting, but i am afraid that he is dying.

REPLY
Profile picture for richardgarabedian @richardgarabedian

So I ( the original poster) created this post on behalf of my twin brother, he Has the TVR , but not me somehow. My brother tells me all of his symptoms, but for some reason refuses to do any research about it himself. He even still attempts to do pushups, thinking that will make his heart stronger, even though i tell him do walk instead, bike, etc.
So anyways he actually went to his primary doctor on Wednesday (the only doctor he has seen), And his doctor somehow convinced him that it (the neck pulse and arm tremble) was heartburn. I am so angry, and told him his doctor sucks and that he should see a cardiologist, but He said are you better than the doctor at his own job? And I had to back off. He wants to believe that it is nothing major even though he was definitely diagnosed with TVR through a heart sonogram

I am just super worried about my brother, and his attitude towards the whole situation. For weeks his heart hurt every day, and he is a ac/heat technician with no plans to change careers. I would like to think that I am over reacting, but i am afraid that he is dying.

Jump to this post

I feel for ya...I do. But.....you got it right when you backed off. He's a grown boy, or oughta act like it. If he can't be bothered to look after himself, I would, very bluntly, suggest you spend that extra energy and angst on yourself, or on someone else you know who could use it.
You can lead a horse to water....

REPLY
Profile picture for richardgarabedian @richardgarabedian

So I ( the original poster) created this post on behalf of my twin brother, he Has the TVR , but not me somehow. My brother tells me all of his symptoms, but for some reason refuses to do any research about it himself. He even still attempts to do pushups, thinking that will make his heart stronger, even though i tell him do walk instead, bike, etc.
So anyways he actually went to his primary doctor on Wednesday (the only doctor he has seen), And his doctor somehow convinced him that it (the neck pulse and arm tremble) was heartburn. I am so angry, and told him his doctor sucks and that he should see a cardiologist, but He said are you better than the doctor at his own job? And I had to back off. He wants to believe that it is nothing major even though he was definitely diagnosed with TVR through a heart sonogram

I am just super worried about my brother, and his attitude towards the whole situation. For weeks his heart hurt every day, and he is a ac/heat technician with no plans to change careers. I would like to think that I am over reacting, but i am afraid that he is dying.

Jump to this post

It sounds like he doesn’t want to know that he may in fact have a serious health issue. Perhaps, he’s afraid he will have to leave his job and is afraid of what else he can or can’t do. If he you haven’t, which I suspect you did already, ask him to go to the cardiologist for your sake. If it’s nothing, you’ll take him out for a meal. If it is something, the good thing is, it can be handled. If he does nothing, it could be worse than he realizes.
My 69 y.o. sister was just diagnosed (by her primary who also referred her to a cardiologist) with TVR resulting from high blood pressure over the years. She is on bp med (has been for years). She also just started with a cardiologist.
I’m so sorry you have such worry and angst. It’s so difficult.

REPLY

Hi - I'm very sorry to hear about your brother. Heart problems can be both emotionally and physically very uncomfortable. I have had a worsening heart situation for about 4 years. At this point, very high PAC burden (premature atrial contractions) with moderate right side atrium and ventricle enlargement, and moderate severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. So far cardiologist has been unable to figure out the cause or a treatment to slow things down. However, many people with TVR do have an identifiable cause, and it is really a good idea to treat the cause, as as I'm told TVR is much easier to treat in the early stages. So that is why your brother would be wise to see if a cardiologist can figure it out. I'm currently doing treatment for sleep apnea after cardiologist decided the TVR problem might related to a lung issue. Am told my situation is "complicated". Sigh... One great bit of news as far as TVR repair - there is a new minimally invasive procedure called "transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for patients with severe TVR" that has just recently come out. In the past the repair has been considered difficult and, according to my cardiologist, was not often done. Your brother might want to read about it. It can be comforting to know that repair options now exist. Wishing you and your brother all the best.

REPLY

Thanks, but after this weekend, I realized he does not care one bit about his condition at all. I found out he is still smoking cigars and does not plan to stop despite my protests. I guess my energy would indeed be spent better for other things

REPLY
Profile picture for richardgarabedian @richardgarabedian

So I ( the original poster) created this post on behalf of my twin brother, he Has the TVR , but not me somehow. My brother tells me all of his symptoms, but for some reason refuses to do any research about it himself. He even still attempts to do pushups, thinking that will make his heart stronger, even though i tell him do walk instead, bike, etc.
So anyways he actually went to his primary doctor on Wednesday (the only doctor he has seen), And his doctor somehow convinced him that it (the neck pulse and arm tremble) was heartburn. I am so angry, and told him his doctor sucks and that he should see a cardiologist, but He said are you better than the doctor at his own job? And I had to back off. He wants to believe that it is nothing major even though he was definitely diagnosed with TVR through a heart sonogram

I am just super worried about my brother, and his attitude towards the whole situation. For weeks his heart hurt every day, and he is a ac/heat technician with no plans to change careers. I would like to think that I am over reacting, but i am afraid that he is dying.

Jump to this post

@richardgarabedian
I am also 37 and have TRV. Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation? Symptoms sound similar, neck throbbing, edema, chest pains, fatigue, malaise, etc. Not sure how your brother got the heart condition but I had MRSA sepsis which translated to Infective Endocarditis. Stayed like 50 days in hospital. Heart rate went to 278++ (SVT). Was supposed to have open heart surgery to fix this valve. Mine is severe and I have a 24mm×11mm vegetation on the valve with 8mm perforation which is apparently serious. Seems doctors like to downplay and dismiss surgery as the Tricuspid valve is the hardest one to replace. Quality of my life is not good yet would have to pull a John Q to get surgery. I hope your brother the best. I've researched this a lot and if vegetation is there that's higher risk for stroke or emboli into lungs etc. I feel for anyone with heart condition. I feel I am for sure dying slowly with similar symptoms as your brother. May God be in his favor.

REPLY

I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I have multiple heart issues, including TVR and an ascending aortic aneurysm.

I self-referred myself to Mayo Rochester for a complete Cardiology evaluation in 2022 with Dr Hector Michelena, who specializes in structural heart diseases, and Dr. Alberto Pochettino, a highly experienced Cardiothoracic Surgeon. I was grateful that I did not need surgery at that time. They encouraged me to follow a healthy lifestyle, including exercise that does not overstress my heart. I return to Mayo to see Dr Michelena for annual visits and testing (CT Angiogram, Echocardiogram, ECG, and Labs). My heart issues are stable.

There are new procedures to repair the tricuspid valve.

Mayo Tricuspid Valve Link:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tricuspid-valve-regurgitation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350173
Many people go into denial and have difficulty accepting a serious diagnosis. It takes time. Don’t give up on your brother, and continue with kind and encouraging words of support and love. Pray he will seek a second opinion at a highly rated heart institution, like Mayo.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.