Mitral/Tricuspuid Reguritation follow-up

[boho_mama]

I am 42, female, dignosed 2 1/2 years ago with mild mitral/ tricuspid regurgitaion, after Dr. said for years he could hear it and ordered an echo. GP told me it was something to watch, but told no need for prophylactic antibiotics, etc. Mother had a stint placed for a blockage when she was 58, had no warning signs of heart disease, low BP, low chol., not overweight, then had a brain bleed at 61 and is permanently disabled. I too am not overweight, have low chol., 117/74 average BP. I have had PVC's all my life, probably 100+ a day, but have been told this is benign. I work out (Jazzercise) 3-4 times a week, for 10 years. When I work out my heart rate quickly gets to the top of my target heart rate zone, and I have to cut back on effort considerably to keep it in range. In general my pulse rate is always higher than average. Question: When should I consider seeing a cardiologist? The echo was ordered by my GP, and there was no recommendation at the time for referral.

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

boho,

Overall a small amount of valvular leakage is within the normal range. If your GP is comfortable following you over time, and you are comfortable with him/her then there is no reason to seek further opinion. I would make sure with your family history that you pay close attention to control of your cardiac risk factors for developing CAD.

Good luck

[Brothabill]

Women are notorious for running like a Honda with working out. They go up fast and the engine lasts forever.
A mild amount of betablocker can increase your exercise tolerance and you may notice your endurance is better, but you would have to balance that with the sluggish side effects which vary from individual to individual. Some do better, some complain. Given it's pennies for betablockers, it's worth a discussion with your physician if a lowdose betablocker may help increase your exercise tolerance by putting a 'brake pedal' on your heartrate. This allows a bit more time for the heart to fill before it beats.

Concert pianists and even cardiologists (before a speech) take them to prevent adrenaline from causing an undesirable rapid heartrate