Hi everyone...I am new to this board...I am usually on the thyroid one...I find so much useful information and support from these boards I was hoping I could get some more for this....I've been having palpatations, had my 24 hour holter put on and then sent for and echo...the results read;

1. Arotic root and valvular sclerosis with trace aortic insufficiency
2. Structurally normal mitral valve with trace mitral regurgitation
3. Normal Chamber Size
4. Normal left ventricular function
5. Trace tricuspid regurgitation

Aortic Valve

Root diameter 2.9

Ejection Fraction 60%

I was wondering if these are normal finding or markers of some sort for underlying condition...they also told me my LDL is 119

Any help would be greatly appreciated ...thanks
take care, Bernie

Hi there,
I can tell you the little that I do know but hopefully someone can come along and fill in the blanks.

1. Arotic root and valvular sclerosis with trace aortic insufficiency
Dont know

2. Structurally normal mitral valve with trace mitral regurgitation
This is a pretty common thing that needs to be checked out every year or so to make sure it doesnt get too bad.

3. Normal Chamber Size
Great

4. Normal left ventricular function
Greater!

5. Trace tricuspid regurgitation
Aortic Valve
Root diameter 2.9
Not sure either

Ejection Fraction 60%- Perfect

QUOTE: 1. Arotic root and valvular sclerosis with trace aortic insufficiency
2. Structurally normal mitral valve with trace mitral regurgitation

The range for a "normal" aortic root is 3.3 to 4.4 mm. There is an indication of some buildup of lipids and calcuim and possibly hardening of the tissue in the area of the valve and the beginning of the aorta.

A reduced size of root and valve can/will increase the pressure within the LV resulting to an increase in LV size. If the LV enlarges, it could cause an increase of regurgitation of LV valves (aorta and mital). Additionally, a large LV will compromise pumping efficiciency with a loss of contractility. If this happens, it would provide insufficient blood in circulation to meet demand and cause a drop in EF to a range below 29%. Worst-case scenario.

Your EF and and chamber size are normal so there is no advanced condition, and you are OK. If the sclerosis becomes worse, an operation can correct the problem.

Thanks so much for your help...I am also going to see a surgeon for thyroid removal on friday...I am concerned that this is something the surgeon should know...I am also concerned about the possible cause of this...is it my cholesterol or maybe something thyroid related...it is so hard to find answers from borderline labs...sometimes I feel I an not asking the right questions to my Doctors... I have a list of symptoms...and gut feelings but nothing has been conclusive....is it right to be concerned that these are valid warnings of things that can be prevented...feeling very confused and wondering if I am worrying to much...I'm glad these boards are here for support...you guys are great! take care, Bernie

forgot to ask...is this something that can reverse itself and get better?

"forgot to ask...is this something that can reverse itself and get better"?

The plaque buildup causing stenosis of the aorta root and valves is not unlike plaque blocking arteries. The most likely cause is diet, age, heritage. It can't be reversed, but treatment (if necessary) and lifestyle change may stop the progression.

Depending on the condition treatment can be done with a minimally invasive procedure.

Thanks again Kenkeith...you seem to be very informed on this...do you have something like this yourself? (If you don't mind me asking.) When you say lifestyle changes is exercising one of them...I have always worked out and just stopped for the last couple of weeks because of the palps and breathlessness, (and of course the test results and thinking I was going to have a heart attack)...which in turn is making me feel miserable. Can I get back to working out again? Sorry about all the questions...my PC doc is not back until Monday and my head is spinning with all the tests and results in the last couple of months...I feel like I just can't wait another minute to get some answers, the closer the time gets to hearing them the more antsie I get...I feel like I put my life on hold and can't funtion until I get some answers...sorry again...I tend to ramble when I'm antsie and nervous...I guess I'm waiting to hear I can still do what I am doing...but just do it better...at least it's somewhere to start...better go now...thanks again to everyone on these forums...you are a great group...I hope one day I can return the support instead of being the one with all the questions...take care Bernie

Hi Bernie,

My limited acknowledge about heart issues stems from 2 years of reading as well as my experience is the basis for some understanding of the subject. I am a patient with CHF and MV regurgitation dx'd a couple of years ago after an episode of pulmonary edema. Except for that event I have never had any symptoms of a heart problem. Fortunately, medication has worked for me... reduced LV enlargement and MVR, increased EF to normal.

I have never stopped working out (treadmill and weights) and it continues to benefit me. If breathlessness is an issue for you, a recent symptom, and you are fairly well conditioned based on your previous exercising program, it may be wise to discontinue for further medical information. At the very least you do not want to continue exercising until you become breathless. Don't worry, your health does not appear to be compromised with a heart condition.