I am having a leaky valve is that normal? the doctor said that it is normal what do i do?
Like most everything, there are degrees of valvular leakage. A valve can be leaking a lot or a very little amount. Valves are a biologic mechanism and therefore are not precisely manufactured with some areas that don't ideally fit, leading to minor leakage. If you were to take 100 random people off of the street and do an echocardiogram, the vast majority would have one valve or the other that had at least some trivial leakage. Therefore if the majority of people have the same thing and it is not a pathological process, it is essentially normal. Next, certain valves leaking are much more important that other valves. Moderate leakage of the tricuspid valve for instance is not a particularly important finding. But moderate leakage of the aortic valve is a very big deal that requires close medical attention. In sum, valves with trivial leakage do not require serial exams for follow up or any special measures like antibiotics before dental procedures. Since this is such a common finding, it is reasonable to consider this a normal finding. Not knowing precisely what the result was on your echo, I can not specifically advise you. At your next doctor's appointment make a note for yourself to ask him/her for clarification. Good luck.
If its not serious, you should have a normal heart rate. My heart rate has always been normal, and i have Aortic Regurgitation (leaky valve), Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic valve, and a slightly Enlarged Aorta and my Cardiologist For the last 15 years, has said i have a normal heart rate. So your heart rate should be normal.
A leaky valve is not normal, but it is not uncommon. Your valves are designed to let your blood flow in only one direction through the heart. When the valve flaps do not close completely, blood can flow backward through the leaky valve. Depending on the severity of the leakage, the heart must work harder to maintain adequate blood flow to the body. It can be present in your * mitral valve * aortic valve Less common, but still possible, in your * tricuspid valve * pulmonary valve Currently, no medicines can cure heart valve disease, but lifestyle changes and medicines can often treat symptoms and delay complications for many years. Many people with leaky valves live very normal, active lives. Get regular checkups - at least once a year. Usually this will include an echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart). If the performance of your valve is not deteriorating or causing damage to your heart muscle, your doctor may choose to monitor you on a regular basis as opposed to surgery. If the leakage is minor, your doctor may not recommend any treatment. On the other hand, if the leakage is significant and causes symptoms, you may need to have a valve replacement. Good luck!
Slightly Leaky Heart Valve
Many of us have leaky valves that do not require treatment...only when it becomes more leaky will it cause problems and you would benefit from treatment. Its pretty common to have a slightly leaky valve I had one and so do my 3 sons who are 13, 16, 18.
