enlarged heart with mild regurgitation

[country]

I am new here but I like how everyone helps each other so here's my question.

I was diagnosed years ago with MVP and back in Novemeber I was diagnosed as having an enlarged heartwith an ejection fraction of 30-35% with mild mitral regurgitation and an E:A(?) ration of "greater 1". Can anyone tell me what E:A Ratio is???? And has anyone been in, or still in, the same boat?

thanks

 

[Debrinha GT]

Hi and welcome to our club! I can't really help you there but we have some experts here on the site who will sure come forward with some answers to your questions as soon as they see your post. I myself have had three mitral valve replacements and will be having a fourth one eventually. You've come to the right place for help, and you'll be amazed at how much emotional support you'll get from the folks here. For the time being, I just want to welcome you and say that you can feel at home here.
Débora from Brazil

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome aboard Country!

I've never heard of an E/A ratio so can't help you there.
Did you get a copy of your echo report?
(I assume that's where your numbers came from)
That's the place to start.

Who made the diagnosis? Your PCP or a cardiologist?
If you don't have a cardiologist, then it is probably time to find one. Hopefully something can be done to get your Ejection Fraction back up closer to the normal range (55 to 75%).

'AL'

 

[country]

Hello, Al

Hello, Al

Yes I have a cardiologist. Actually I have 2; 1 at the local V.A. Clinic and another that I haven't seen yet. I see him on Tuesday. I did get those numbers right from my echo report. I also got ALL other reports that have been done at the VA clinic. In Dec 1999 my EF was estimated around 70%, the aortic root "appears enlargement", there was "trivial mitral regurgitation", and tricuspid regurgitation of 1+ (not sure what that number is either)

Now in October of 2003 the EF was 65%, ther was moderate thickening of the mitral leaflets with mild prolapse and trace regurgitation. Aortic had "possible mild prolapse of leaflets", and the tricuspid had "possible mild prolapse with mild regurgitation"

It bothers me that these results were never given to me except for my MVP. So I am thinking seriously of ending my relationship with the VA clinic. I know that I will be going to Cincinnati for a Nuclear Stress Test in the very near future. Any thought on any of these numbers or the others??? Any hints, suggestion, recomendations, or even questions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[catwoman]

According to www.echobyweb.com normal EF for left ventricle is 55-65%. Mine was 60-70% at my last echo (Oct. 2004).

Check out the www.echobyweb.com site... I found it after my echo when I wanted extra help in deciphering the numbers.

 

[country]

thanks catwoman

 

[ALCapshaw2]

First, I'd want to know why your EF dropped from 65-70% down to 30-35%. That is a MAJOR change.

Second, I'd want to know what chamber(s) were enlarged and how much change there has been. Do you have some old echo reports for comparison of the chamber dimensions? Also ask about the aortic root enlargement.

Third, you may want to talk with a surgeon about what can be done to help your heart and how soon. Surgeons like to operate BEFORE there is permanent damage to the heart muscles / walls which is a good thing IMHO.

'AL'

 

[country]

The most recent echo says that the left ventricle is enlarged. As for the rest I do have old echo reports but none with the dimensions on them, I don't really understand that. But I'll double check. Thanks for all the advice. All of this is pretty new and stressful to me. I don't like not feeling good.
Thanks

 

[country]

None of my old echo reports had any measurements in them, so I don't know what is acceptable and whats not. I've tried finding that info on the web but I'm not having any luck. Does anyone out there know where to find these at short of waiting to go to the doctors ofice?? I really don;t like to wait for some things.