Question 1

I'm really anxious about my severe mitral valve stenosis. I had a balloon mitral valvotomy in February 2019, and the valve size is now 1.8. Could you tell me when I might need a valve replacement and what my life expectancy might be with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Based on the information you provided, since you have severe mitral valve stenosis and have already undergone Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty (BMV) in February 2019, with a resulting valve size of 1.8, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. In cases of severe mitral valve stenosis, valve replacement may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen despite previous interventions. For management of symptoms and to improve your quality of life, you can consider medications such as diuretics like Furosemide (Lasix) to help with fluid retention and Beta-blockers like Metoprolol to control heart rate. Additionally, anticoagulants like Warfarin may be prescribed to prevent blood clots. As for life expectancy with mitral valve stenosis, it can vary depending on the severity of the condition, response to treatment, and overall health of the individual. Regular follow-up with your cardiologist is crucial to monitor your condition and determine the best course of action.

Question 2

I'm wondering if it's normal to have tachycardia because both my ECG and echo tests came back normal, but I still experience it. My heart feels like it's beating really loudly, and when I check my pulse with an oximeter, it can shoot up to around 120, then it settles back to normal after a while. It's pretty scary when my heart rate spikes like that. Are there any more tests I should consider to figure out what's going on?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, can be concerning even if your ECG and echo are normal. Since you are experiencing symptoms such as a loud heartbeat and fluctuations in your pulse rate, it is important to further investigate the underlying cause. To address your tachycardia and associated symptoms, you may consider undergoing additional tests such as a Holter monitor to continuously record your heart's activity over 24-48 hours, a stress test to evaluate your heart's function during physical activity, and blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions. In the meantime, to help manage your tachycardia symptoms, you can consider taking medications such as Metoprolol (25-50mg) to help regulate your heart rate and reduce the sensation of palpitations. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

I've been feeling really anxious and out of breath for the past month. This breathlessness sticks with me all day and seems to come and go unpredictably. My ECG showed sinus tachycardia. Could this be causing my anxiety and breathing issues? I'm really worried about what this means and could use some guidance.

Accepted Answer

If your symptoms are persistent or worsening, or if you experience severe breathlessness, chest pain, or dizziness, please seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, while your sinus tachycardia may be related to anxiety and stress, its crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to rule out any other potential causes and to manage your symptoms effectively.

More Cardiology Health Queries

I'm really anxious about my severe mitral valve stenosis. I had a balloon mitral valvotomy in February 2019, and the valve size is now 1.8. Could you tell me when I might need a valve replacement and what my life expectancy might be with this condition?

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