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IS Leakage In Heart Valve A Serious Problem?
I recently was diagnosed with a heart murmur and then underwent a ECO, which showed a slight leakage in one of my heart valves. Is this serious and what is the next step for me, if any? I am a healthy male 78 years old and exercise for about 40 - 45 min every day.
Sat, 22 Feb 2014
Dear patient,
Thanks for the query. If the regurgitation or leakage is mild, it probably does not bring any current major consequence, but it should be followed over time. A change in your exercise capacity, other concerning symptoms like shortness of breath or palpitations, would prompt re-evaluation, but that being said, for mild regurgitation probably you DO NOT need a yearly Echo.
I encourage you to continue your excellent amount of weekly exercise.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Cardiology
Thanks for the query. If the regurgitation or leakage is mild, it probably does not bring any current major consequence, but it should be followed over time. A change in your exercise capacity, other concerning symptoms like shortness of breath or palpitations, would prompt re-evaluation, but that being said, for mild regurgitation probably you DO NOT need a yearly Echo.
I encourage you to continue your excellent amount of weekly exercise.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Cardiology
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