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What Causes Leaky Heart Valve?
Question: I have been told I have mild leakage from both input valves. I had sudden breathing difficulties 6 months ago and have had an ECG which was considered ok and similar to about 5 years ago but an ultrasound showed the leak. Lung X-ray and breathing test were ok. My Dr has said as it is input valves it is unimportant and not to worry. My breathing still becomes laboured after bending forward, walking quickly or up stairs. I do not get chest pains but a feeling of constriction or pressure at the top of the chest where it meets the throat.
I have recently had a gum pain under a crown and an xray showed no tooth crack and so the crown was removed, 3 different antibiotics tried after the 1st 2 caused such ill feeling and were not completed. the crown has now been replaced but the gum pain can re-occur when biting on something firm and a pulsation sometimes at night. I am 68, not oversight, excercise daily by 2 x1/2 walks at a regular but not fast pace, on the level. I have had high cholesterol and platelet count for about 12 years. I had an irregular heart beat which reset itself after my heart stopped when on beta blockers during routine blood tests after fasting.
Should I be receiving any medication/treatment/monitoring? Should I be exercising more or less? I am doing an average of 7000 paces a day ( about 3-4 miles).
I eat a sensible diet with little red meat, mainly fish, salads, fruit yogurts but am sometimes emotionally stressed but have a busy, happy social life.
I have recently had a gum pain under a crown and an xray showed no tooth crack and so the crown was removed, 3 different antibiotics tried after the 1st 2 caused such ill feeling and were not completed. the crown has now been replaced but the gum pain can re-occur when biting on something firm and a pulsation sometimes at night. I am 68, not oversight, excercise daily by 2 x1/2 walks at a regular but not fast pace, on the level. I have had high cholesterol and platelet count for about 12 years. I had an irregular heart beat which reset itself after my heart stopped when on beta blockers during routine blood tests after fasting.
Should I be receiving any medication/treatment/monitoring? Should I be exercising more or less? I am doing an average of 7000 paces a day ( about 3-4 miles).
I eat a sensible diet with little red meat, mainly fish, salads, fruit yogurts but am sometimes emotionally stressed but have a busy, happy social life.
Brief Answer:
Cardiac evaluation is a must in your case.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Pertaining to the leakage of the input valve on both sides,I advise you to get a 2 Dimensional echo to accurately assess the severity of the regurgitation of leak.
ECG and X ray chest cannot distinguish such severity.
Since you are showing some degree of breathing difficulty on exertion,its extremely important that you get an ECHOCARDIOGRAM at the earliest.
The need for treatment only depends on the results of the echo in your case.
I advise you to cut down your exercise to 3000 paces/day.
Also reduce the intake of red meat.
Consume more dietary fiber in the form of oat meal.
With regards to gum pain I advise you to see your Dentist again.
The constriction sensation and irregular heartbeat can be directly related to the severity of leaking valves.
Hence to conclude I recommend strict monitoring of your heart condition at the earliest.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Cardiac evaluation is a must in your case.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Pertaining to the leakage of the input valve on both sides,I advise you to get a 2 Dimensional echo to accurately assess the severity of the regurgitation of leak.
ECG and X ray chest cannot distinguish such severity.
Since you are showing some degree of breathing difficulty on exertion,its extremely important that you get an ECHOCARDIOGRAM at the earliest.
The need for treatment only depends on the results of the echo in your case.
I advise you to cut down your exercise to 3000 paces/day.
Also reduce the intake of red meat.
Consume more dietary fiber in the form of oat meal.
With regards to gum pain I advise you to see your Dentist again.
The constriction sensation and irregular heartbeat can be directly related to the severity of leaking valves.
Hence to conclude I recommend strict monitoring of your heart condition at the earliest.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you for advice, the leakage was picked up by an ultra sound, I assume that this is an echocardiogram? My concern is that other than agree to send me to a respiratory specialist the gp seems to be doing nothing more to monitor the leakages and I am concerned that they may worsen without me knowing.Should this have been set up? my cholesterol is 6.4 platelets were up to 599 but are now down to 461,should this be taken into account when considering monitoring?
I have muesli and fresh fruit for breakfast with no added sugar cranberry juice and whole grain bread, sweet potatoes regularly as well as green cooked veg, carrots etc.
Red meat probably less than once very couple of months when invited to dine with friends. Thank you for your advice so far.
I have muesli and fresh fruit for breakfast with no added sugar cranberry juice and whole grain bread, sweet potatoes regularly as well as green cooked veg, carrots etc.
Red meat probably less than once very couple of months when invited to dine with friends. Thank you for your advice so far.
Brief Answer:
Need to consult both cardiologist and pulmonologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
You need to consult both Cardiologist and Respiratory specialist.
Yes the leakage may certainly worsen with time if left unchecked.
Cholesterol and Platelet count has nothing to do with the leakage monitoring.
The diet which you mentioned is safe and good for heart.Kindly follow the same.
Thank you.
Need to consult both cardiologist and pulmonologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
You need to consult both Cardiologist and Respiratory specialist.
Yes the leakage may certainly worsen with time if left unchecked.
Cholesterol and Platelet count has nothing to do with the leakage monitoring.
The diet which you mentioned is safe and good for heart.Kindly follow the same.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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