MVP-Referred to Emory-Question?

[Charles]

After routine physical doctor told me my mitral valve prolapse needed checking (had for years- no symptons). Eco revealed mild-severe regurgitation. I was sent to cardiologist who preformed isotope stress test and echo. All indications were I had no blockage or heart damage. Eco showed mild to severe regurgitation. Cardiologist preformed heart cat on left and right side of heart. Heart cat revealed no blockages but 3-4+ regurgitation and a EF=70 (whatever this is)

I have been referred to Dr.Craver at Emory in Atlanta who I am told is the best. Problem is I feel great. No symptons. What should I expect. What questions should I ask. Should I wait for symptons before having operation? Cardiologist said there was 80% chance valve could be repaired.

 

[NancyMVP]

mvp question

mvp question

hi, I also have MVP with severe regurgitation.
Although I've recently displayed some symptoms. I never took any medications for my MVP till last October.
They say that when you have MVP with regurgitation it doesn't get better it can stay the same or get worse. I've also read from many links and sources that Its best to repair or replace a mitral valve before there is any damage to the heart to ensure a good outcome.
A visit to that specialist is warranted. I went into Lenox hill hospital in Nov and they gave me a dalium stress test. Which was got and told me to continue my medications. Atenonol and Accupril which are blood pressure medications. I don't have high blood pressure but. These medications make your heart work better taking away the stress of the reguritation.
There are really nice people here that I'm sure can inform you better than I.
Lots of Luck with the appointment.
Nancy

 

[Gail in Ca]

I am taking an ace inhibitor for my mod-severe
leaking mitral. The surgeon said that it may be
many years before I need it replaced , as the
Cozaar will help prolong the life of the valve.
It was leaking when I had my 2nd avr but I was
in such bad shape before the surgery and my surgeon saw that my mitral was odd looking,
maybe congenitally defective not just the ordinary
prolapse, so he chose not to replace it and just to keep me on the ace inhibitor, so far so good.
(surgery was on 6-27-00)
Gail

 

[Marty]

Early surgery indicated?

Early surgery indicated?

Charles, Glad to have you aboard. In my view you are an ideal candidate for early
surgical repair or if that is not possible a valve replacement. If you read some of these posts you will see that early surgery is a concensus opinion among patients who have had surgery and I am sure all the heart surgeons. Mitral regurg is an insidious condition with few symptoms until the heart has irreversible damage. Please contact me personally if you wish to know details
of my own case. I had mitral valve replacement 9/17/98 and am doing well.

 

[Tammy]

Charles -
Dr.Craver did my MVR 12 years ago. I was also told he is the best.
Your EF sounds good (65 is ideal) and you have no symptoms (that is good).
There are varying opinions on when to have surgery. Of course a repair would be better than replacement. Dr. Craver spent a lot of time trying to repair my Mitral but could not.
Get all the info you can and weigh your options carefully. It is a personal decision and this is a great place to get all the answers to your questions.
I know it is a stressful time. The more informed you are the more confident you will feel.
Good Luck.
Tammy