When do you know?

[georgi]

Hello everyone. I am new to the board and have questions.
This is my report.
Normal LV size and function with estimated ejection fraction of 55-65%
Aortic sclerosis without evidence of stenosis.
Moderate to Severe aortic insufficiency
LV cavity internal dimensions are within normal range
Trace TR,PL AND MR
Mild fibrocalcific changes in asending aorta
Mildly elevated PA systolic pressue of 34 mmHg

My resting pulse is 108
I am sure that all of this heart stuff was caused by radiation treatments I had years ago for thymus cancer.
My question is,
What does this all mean?
When can I expect to need surgery? I am 58 yeas old and just got out of the hospital 3 weeks ago to remove a parathyroid tumor. I am NOT lookig forward to another hospital stay, plus this one really scares me.
Thanks for Responding!
georgi

 

[Barbara Stewart]

Only sympathy

Only sympathy

I really have no information for you, but I sympathize with you in your reluctance to have another hospital stay. I will keep you in my thoughts. Don't know if that helps at all, but I'm sure some folks who CAN answer your questions will come along soon.

Barbara

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Georgi - Welcome to the site; glad you found it. Sounds like you've already been through quite a bit.

I guess the results you posted were from an echo? Someone here will probably have an idea what your numbers could indicate. What has your cardiologist recommended? Have you been recommended to consult with a surgeon?

You'll think of more questions. Keep asking and keep researching.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello everyone. I am new to the board and have questions.
This is my report.
Normal LV size and function with estimated ejection fraction of 55-65%
Aortic sclerosis without evidence of stenosis.
Moderate to Severe aortic insufficiency
LV cavity internal dimensions are within normal range
Trace TR,PL AND MR
Mild fibrocalcific changes in asending aorta
Mildly elevated PA systolic pressue of 34 mmHg

My resting pulse is 108
I am sure that all of this heart stuff was caused by radiation treatments I had years ago for thymus cancer.
My question is,
What does this all mean?
When can I expect to need surgery? I am 58 yeas old and just got out of the hospital 3 weeks ago to remove a parathyroid tumor. I am NOT lookig forward to another hospital stay, plus this one really scares me.
Thanks for Responding!
georgi

Welcome to our world Georgi!

The ONLY point of concern that I see in your report is the "Moderate to Severe aortic insufficiency". It would be best if you get this interpreted by a Cardiologist (or Heart Surgeon). To my (Engineering) mind, you are fortunate that these issues have been caught EARLY in their development.

Have you seen a Cardiologist?
Do you have a Cardiologist?
If not, you need to get one.

Then, you may want to start interviewing Surgeons because it's good to have a Surgeon you Trust 'lined up' for when the time comes to operate.
Be sure to ask about their Experience with Radiation Damaged Hearts! That is an IMPORTANT consideration that I can attest to, having had 2 OHS due to Radiation Damage from treatment for Hodgkin's Disease. Dr. Lytle is the Radiation 'guru' (and recently promoted to Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery) at the Cleveland Clinic (the #1 rated Heart Hospital). He recently published that Valve Damage appears to be showing up about 20 years following Radiation Treatment.

Do a SEARCH on VR.com for keywords "radiation" and "Hodgkins" and you will find many links to discussion of those issues.

By the Way, your Ejection Fraction (EF) of 55 to 65%
is 'Smack Dab Center' of the NORMAL Range.

You will want to have regular (preferably annual) Echocardiograms to watch for progression of your Heart Disease. Keep copies of EVERY test report for referal. I chart my (multiple) Echo Results on a spread sheet which makes progression quite obvious.

Please feel free to ask ANY questions that come to mind as you learn about Heart Valve Disease. Someone here should be able to answer most any question or at least point you in the right direction.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[francie12]

My understanding is that you can have moderate or even mod/severe aortic insufficiency for years, even many years, without it progressing to the need for surgery. It's a very good sign that your heart chamber dimensions are normal. My son is also at mod/severe AO insufficiency, but he also has a moderately dilated left ventricle. Even with his heart already somewhat enlarged (along with his asc. aorta), his drs say it could be some years until surgery becomes necessary. The main thing is to stay strictly on your follow up schedule of echos so you will be aware if things start to worsen. I'll bet you stay in the "waiting room" for quite awhile. Hope this helps.

 

[roundsgirl]

Sorry for all you are having to go through. My echo report was alot like yours, but I started having symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc... I just had a heart cath. done yesterday which verified for the cardio, that it is time for me to have my aortic valve replaced. I agree that since you have moved to the moderate-severe stage, if you don't have any symptoms that you need to be watched closely and pay attention to any changes in how you feel. I wish you the best, I'm with you, I know how scared you feel right now, because I feel the same way. I'm 39 years old, meeting with the surgeon the 26th day after Christmas, Merry Christmas huh? I wish you the best and take care of yourself.
Nobody knows how you feel but you, so you have to take action when it gets to a point.

Sincerely,
Roundsgirl

 

[georgi]

Thank You all so much! Wow, what a great site. I do have a lot to check out and I will be on a mission to find as much information as I can. Just knowing that I am not alone, helps so much. I have a very young "new" cardiologist and am getting a second opinion after the first of the year. I will also check into information about radiation damaged hearts. I have not checked out surgeons yet. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!
georgi

 

[Superbob]

I just wanted to add my welcome and best wishes. They are a lot of people more expert than I on the technicalities, but I think Al Capshaw has it about right in his assessment of where you are. Definitely get a good cardiologist. Best wishes.