Question: I am an extremely health 56 year old female (5'2", 105 pounds) who eats a heart healthy diet and exercises by walking/running 45 minutes daily -- and have practiced these habits for 35 years. I decided to be proactive and have a series of cardiac exams: Echocardiogram; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening; Stroke/Carotid Artery Disease Screening; Peripheral Artery Disease Screening; EKG Screening. Of all the boxes available for checking, here is where I received some: on my Echo, it read "No significant abnormality seen", Normal Ejection fraction -- but it showed "Trace Mitral Regurgitation" and "Trace Tricuspid Regurgitation" AND on my ECG, it read "Sinus Rhythm" -- but it showed "Non Specific ST-T changes" and it was termed "Mildly Abnormal." Again, among all the dozens of boxes on my report, those are the only comments or boxes checked. By the way, my lipid panels have always been quite terrific, as are all my lab work results (which I have had done every six months since age 35). Similarly, my lifelong history of low normal Blood Pressure and Pulse are in the 105-70 and lower range, and 70-80 heart beats a minute.

Could you tell me if I have cause to worry OR cause to relax? I have checked the Internet a bit since I received the results, and I have the impression that those notations in an otherwise healthy person are no cause for concern. I would like, however, for a cardiologist to weigh in. I am looking for some comfort and sense of security -- otherwise, I will worry.

Finally, what can I do to make sure those "Trace" regurgitations do not worsen -- and how does one maintain or promote a fine sinus rhythm? Thank you so very much!

Dear Doctor: Thank you for your reply and words of reassurance. I would like to know if you actually saw the ECG graph provided in the report that I attached to my query this morning. I would love to know that you opened the report and looked at the actual ECG graph and not just the words Non-Specific ST Changes. Next year, I'll opt for the exercise stress ECG per your wise suggestion! Bless you too, dear doctor. I curious if you believe it is safe for me to jog 5 minutes - walk 1 minute - jog 5 minutes for 45 minutes almost every day of the week. If you believe that is "hard" or a "strain" on my heart, I will follow your advise and limit myself to brisk walking 45 minutes almost every day of the week. What are your thoughts, dear doctor?I curious if you believe it is safe for me to jog 5 minutes - walk 1 minute - jog 5 minutes for 45 minutes almost every day of the week. If you believe that is "hard" or a "strain" on my heart, I will follow your advise and limit myself to brisk walking 45 minutes almost every day of the week. What are your thoughts, dear doctor?

Thank you for indulging me, doctor. I am glad I discussed exercising with you. It's easy for me to do daily because it's a healthy habit that I've had fun doing for years. Here's what I'll do: I'll walk/jog/walk/jog for 30-40 minutes five days a week. That, of course, is based on cardiologist's orders (smile).

Forgive me asking if you looked at the waves. Maybe I should have my head examined next (laugh). Thank you for your kind, wise, gentle, direct answer. You have calmed my fears and soared my sense of well-being.