What is the life expectancy of person with moderate mitral valve regurgitation?
Patient: I have been diagnosed with Moderate Mitral valve regurgitation two days ago. I am a 30 year old mother of one toddler. My symptoms include, palpitaions, fluttering in my chest, some feeling of heaviness or pressure in my chest, excessive sweating, mild shrtnes of breath and fatigue with little exertion. I would like to know what my life expectancy may be now that I am taking the diuretic HCTZ 12.5mg daily and trying to loose the 35 pounds I'm overweight by my BMI. I have been advised to have yearly Echos done and I just wanted to know if something can go terribly wrong just suddenly. Am I a ticking time bomb really/ Doctor: Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.  I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. There is no need to worry much. Just get yearly echos done and if heart function goes down and regurgitation increases then valve replacement can be done. You can have a good life expectancy. Surgery is advised at one point, and it should be done to halt the decrease in heart function. However consume a low salt and fluid restricted diet. You should visit a hospital immediately if you develop shortness of breath at any point of time.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards, Dr. Sagar Makode