New valve - mild regurgitation?

[preciosa1974]

Hi all!
I am 3 months post op with a St. Jude valve. I am having a lot of BP issues; possibly hormonal, so doing the tests. I had an echo done yesterday and was told I have mild regurgitation. Is that normal with a new valve? I will be discussing with my cardiologist at next appointment. Thank you.

 

[dick0236]

Docs have told me that a little regurgitation is pretty normal. I think I still have a little regurgitation and my surgery was a long time ago............and no, doc doesn't think it is my old valve starting to leak.

 

[preciosa1974]

Docs have told me that a little regurgitation is pretty normal. I think I still have a little regurgitation and my surgery was a long time ago............and no, doc doesn't think it is my old valve starting to leak.

Thank you! I appreciate your response!

 

[Deepak khanka]

Yes a mild regur. Is common. It’s known for washing the valve . But however one more echo in 4 to 6 months will be helpful

 

[Protimenow]

My understanding is that even good, natural valves, have a bit of regurgitation.

Prosthetic valves don't completely stop regurgitation - as far as I know. If you have a small amount of regurgitation and your doctor isn't particularly concerned, you probably shouldn't be, either.

 

[nobog]

Regurgitation 101:

All mechanical valves have a certain amount of regurgitation (reg), reg can be described as fluid going "the wrong way", or not forward flow. This is normal for a mechanical valve. There are two components to reg:

1) leaflets closing - fluid pushed "the wrong way" (backflow) by the sweeping action of the leaflets and
2) leaflets closed - clearances between the leaflets and the orifice allow for leakage - the higher the (blood) pressure the more the leakage.

Backflow + leakage = regurgitation

Large valves (31mm) have more reg than smaller (21mm) valves.

A few thousands of an inch (0.001) variation between leaflet(s) and orifice can have a significant effect on leakage volume and the manufacturers control this.

Tissue valves for the most part do not leak although they still have backflow.

Reg is measured in ml per pulse or % of stroke volume.

 

[Eva]

My three-months after-surgery echo showed mild regurgitation in both valves. It’s still mild up till today and, regretfully, I wasted too much good energy on worrying about it unnecessarily.