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Mitral regurgitation scared of chf

Hi, I was just told I have mild mitral valve regurgitation. I've been having palpitations and some sob. My EJ is 50-55%. I know that it supposedly low normal, but I'm terrified that my heart could be failing. My cardiologist said not to worry but it's so hard. Anyone with a similar experience? Or is my EJ a sign of CHF?
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11548417 tn?1506080564
50-55% indeed is low normal. There are some things you might consider to ease your mind:

-If measured with a ultrasound device, it could well be that it actually is 55-60%, as echos are not the most reliable way to measure EF.

-Perhaps you were born with it and 50-55% is normal for you

-If it has become lower than it used to be, it can go up again. Exercise can help strengthen your heart and improve how well it pumps blood to the rest of the body. All it takes is 30 minutes a day of activity, even if that activity is walking.


Mild regurgitation is nothing to worry about. Many people have some leakage in one or more of their heart valves and never know about or notice it until an echo is made.
As it is (mild), it does not harm your heart and there is a big chance that the regurgitation will never get worse.

So, with the info you provide I have to agree with your cardiologist. You have nothing to worry about.
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Thank you so very much. That is incredibly reassuring. I'm definitely going to start getting exercise everyday. I had a baby 6 months ago so I've been very deconditioned as I've been recovering from that. I made the mistake of googling too much and found a study that showed if your EF is below 55 then you should have valve surgery right away, and even then there is a high mortality rate within the 10 years following it. I spent all night crying. I'm just a mess right now. thank you for taking the time to reply.
Ah, you had a baby 6 months ago. That could very well explain the lowered EF. Some women experience a lowered EF during pregnancy and short after delivery.
In most cases the EF recovers in a period of weeks/months.

Perhaps it would be an idea to ask your cardiologist for a repeat echo in a couple of months to check if the EF has gone up again.

I wish you and your little one all the best!
God bless,
Ger





Avatar universal
Sorry, I meant *EF not EJ!
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