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Suggest Treatment For Valve In Heart That Leaks Back The Flow
Question: What are the risks of a heart that has a valve that leaks back flow?
I am a professional athlete. Every time I have a preseason physical the same issue (enlarged valve & back flow) comes up for me during my echo appointment. What are the risks? Is this treatable by taking some type of medicine? Any info would be great. Thanks.
I am a professional athlete. Every time I have a preseason physical the same issue (enlarged valve & back flow) comes up for me during my echo appointment. What are the risks? Is this treatable by taking some type of medicine? Any info would be great. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
No medications for this
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
First, there are not medications for leaky valves. When a valve is functioning normally it closes after a heartbeat to prevent back flow. If a valve is damaged or enlarged then it can't prevent the back flow and this is called regurgitation. The only treatment for damaged or abnormal valves is surgical. However, you may not need surgery. May of us have slightly leaky valves.
For example it is not uncommon for me to send a patient for an echocardiogram and get back a report that says trace or minimal tricuspid or mitral regurgitation. Trace or mild regurgitation through any of the valves often does not need any treatment and can just be followed with echocardiograms to make sure that it is not worsening.
If you are having yearly echocardiograms and no one has suggested valve surgery to you then you probably can just not worry about it. If it were a severe problem they would have told you I feel sure.
Also, often these conditions are not progressive so it may always be a minor finding on echocardiograms, but not something that will cause you harm. Good luck to you.
No medications for this
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
First, there are not medications for leaky valves. When a valve is functioning normally it closes after a heartbeat to prevent back flow. If a valve is damaged or enlarged then it can't prevent the back flow and this is called regurgitation. The only treatment for damaged or abnormal valves is surgical. However, you may not need surgery. May of us have slightly leaky valves.
For example it is not uncommon for me to send a patient for an echocardiogram and get back a report that says trace or minimal tricuspid or mitral regurgitation. Trace or mild regurgitation through any of the valves often does not need any treatment and can just be followed with echocardiograms to make sure that it is not worsening.
If you are having yearly echocardiograms and no one has suggested valve surgery to you then you probably can just not worry about it. If it were a severe problem they would have told you I feel sure.
Also, often these conditions are not progressive so it may always be a minor finding on echocardiograms, but not something that will cause you harm. Good luck to you.
Note: click here to Consult a cardiac surgeon online. to know the best treatment option for your heart-related issues
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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