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valve replacement
When do you know it's time to replace your mitral valve? I had mine repaired 7 years ago and a couple of years ago I started having shortness of breath, dull pain in my heart and now my left ventricle is slightly enlarged. I just started on cozaar, that is the only medicine I am on. My cardiologist seems to feel the time is coming soon, probably in the next 6-12 months. Any thoughts on the subject.
I need to type slower, my EF is 68%.Before I had my mitral valve repaired in 2002 the ventricale had enlarged to about where it is now and the cozaar brought it back to within normal limits for a year or so, maybe it will work again but in any event I think I am going to push for surgery. Putting it off for an extra year is really just prolonging what is bound to happen and might make things worse. I just hope permenant damage has not already occurred.
My is still very good 68% according to todays echo but the ventricle is at 62mm which is above normal I think 58 is the upper limit and I do have a definate shortness of breath issue. I think I am going to get a consult with the surgeon who did the repair and see what he thinks because I am concerned about letting this go too long. I have acually had the shortness of breath issue for several years. My cardiologist did not seemed overly paniced about it but did say we will probably need to do something as in surgery with in the next 6-12 months.
I have a valve disorder (regurgitation) and my cardiologist looks for the symptoms you are experiencing. The risk you are facing with delay is the possiblility the heart will enlarge and heart pumping functionality will be impaired. It is very difficult and may not be possible to return the heart to normal. A valve surgeon at the Mayo Clinic states the biggest problem he faces it the patient that has waited too long.
Has your left ventricle enlarged? Is your EF 55% or above? You may want to talk to a surgeon. Better time to select while somewhat healthy than wait.
Has your left ventricle enlarged? Is your EF 55% or above? You may want to talk to a surgeon. Better time to select while somewhat healthy than wait.
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