leaking valves

[gypsyrose376]

in 2010 i had a echocardigram done it showed 3 leaking valves main one my aorta ..had one done in may  it was only a 5 minute silent one   showed only 2 valves leaking   the aorta was not even on the results...can a  valve stop leaking on its own?my  new dr is doing another echo next month,,,but i also had  2 abnormal stress test  in may too  i was throwing pvc's.

[CCFHeart MD23]

Hi gypsyrose376,

The short answer is that the degree to which valves leak can change with time and depend upon the accuracy of the measurements and also factors which directly effect the heart valve function such as changes in blood pressure, fluid balance, heart rate, and certain medications.

To properly answer your question I would need to clarify how significant the leakiness was and whether there were associated changes in the heart strength / function. As we age it is common to have small amounts of leakiness, or 'valvular regurgitation', detected on echocardiogram. Your comments suggest you have previously been shown to have aortic regurgitation. Anything more than trivial to mild aortic regurgitation on your previous echocardiogram requires follow up. Also important to know is the appearance of the aortic valve and the size of the aorta (is it enlarged?). For patients with aortic regurgitation deemed significant (moderate or greater), it is important to determine whether there has been any reduction in exercise capacity and any changes in heart size or function (particularly the left ventricle).

I am glad to hear that you are also having your stress test results reviewed. Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can indicate an underlying issue with the heart muscle strength or function. We are most concerned about PVCs that worsen with exercise or associated with other heart rhythm changes or changes in ventricular function. Factors that can contribute to PVC's include poor blood flow to the heart (coronary disease), electrolyte disturbances (potassium, calcium, magnesium), thyroid disease, excess caffeine, alcohol, and stress. In some cases we can't find a clear reason for the PVC's and reassurance can be provided with infrequent echocardiograms.

Should you experience any chest pain or unexplained significant dizziness or collapse I would recommend earlier rather than later review with your local doctor or cardiologist.

I hope that this information helps,

Take care and good luck.

[gypsyrose376]

the left side of my hearts enlarged  from what i know and i do have symptoms...heart problems run in the family   already had 2 sisters that have had bypasses and  ones getting ready to have her second bypass she has 9 stents ones blocked and they couldnt unblock it and my brother younger than me had a heart attack   my symptoms are fatigue  dizziness sometimes the  dizziness is so bad  i get sick  and have to lay down  on my stress test they said i had shortness of breath too..i do have a blockage in my neck one in my hip and a anurism in my stomach  with bloodclots and i have ITP...