New to this group

I went to the VA Hospital Cardio Clinic today and after several tests prior I was informed today I had a "Leaky Heart" that appears to be mild to moderate and my rate was a 40 and normal is 50. They put me on Metoprolol Succinate 25mg and aspirin and will have me back for a closer scan of my heart on Jan. 18th. If anyone has experienced a similar situation I'd like to know what you know abut "Leaky Heart." I had no heart problems issues of any kind..... just asked for a checkup this year since my brother (in Aug.), father and grandfather all had heart attacks.

I suppose they mean heart valve as well, but VA Cardio PA referred to my condition as a "leaky heart." My BP is fine and if they did not tell me I had an issue I would not have a clue....no distress symptoms at all. I asked for a heart checkup since my younger brother had a 100% clogged widowmaker valve and came within an hour of dying of a heart attack in August. No signs of distress for him prior either. I appreciate your response. I will get all the testing done and take the meds. Had the echo and stress test already. Next test is a scope down the throat for a better look at the heart.

Last VA Portal Update.....don't understand some of these medical terms.......
Interpretation Summary
Technically difficult study, improved with echo contrast
Dilated LV, otherwise normal chamber sizes. Normal LV wall thickness.
Mild to moderately reduced LV systolic function. LV EF is 40% by single plane MOD
and appears 40-45% by visual estimation.
Normal RV systolic function.
There is mild to moderate global hypokinesis of the left ventricle.
Abnormal diastolic function of indeterminate grade.
There is aortic valve sclerosis with moderate aortic regurgitation directed
towards the anterior mitral valve leaflet. Vena contracta measures 0.45 cm.
RVSP estimated to be 25mmHg above right atrial pressure.
Normal IVC size with unclear collapsibility.
There is no significant pericardial effusion.
Borderline dilated thoracic aorta measuring 3.9 cm at the sinuses of valsalva.
The proximal ascending aorta was incompletely visualized.
No prior study available for comparison. Recommend cardiology consultation. If
there is no alternative reason for the patient's cardiomyopathy then would
consider either TEE or cardiac MRI for more definitive quantitation of aortic regurgitation.
________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for the add'l info and your own experience Straydog......I wish Doctors in general would spend more time explaining things in layman terms but most won't share much unless asked and then the patient is never sure they're asking the right Q's anyway. It is all too rushed to see the next patient in line. In my case, I was actually seen by a PA not a MD, who bluntly informed me that I had a "leaky heart. That did not sound initially good and a bit harsh at the time, but I have since realize it is valve issue and that I am believed to be mild to moderate until further diagnosis. He did tell me that part.

Wayne I have not had this test for heart issues. I have had endoscopy for crohns with the fine tube with the camera attached. They spray the back of the throat to numb it, plus you are given IV medication to relax you. I was sedated enough to not remember anything, they will do the same with you for this test. They need the patient perfectly still.

I had a bit of a scratchy throat for a couple of days & that was it.

I had two cardio evaluations done yesterday at VA....no blocked arteries.....but heart rate still sitting at 40. Waiting to get more results feedback.

Yep, the scratchy throat will disappear in a couple of days. Can you look on your patient portal to see what those 2 consults results are?

I hate waiting, lol.

this all is pretty vague to me so maybe you can make more out of it with your experience.

1-18-24
POST-PROCEDURE NOTE
Preoperative Diagnosis: Moderate Aortic Regurgitation
Postoperative Diagnosis: Moderate Aortic Regurgitation
Procedure: Transesophageal Echocardiography
_________________________
Primary Indication: Systolic Heart Failure
PROCEDURES PERFORMED
Diagnostic Procedures:
Left Heart Catheterization
Coronary Angiography
____________________________
CATHETERS
Right coronary artery: Multipurpose
Left coronary artery: Terumo Tiger
ALL PROCEDURES
Heart rate (Bpm): 50
Aorta (mmHg): 150/ 65, mean 96
LEFT HEART CATHETERIZATION
LV Systolic (mmHg): 150, EDP (mmHg): 17
_____________________

RECOMMENDATIONS
Proceed with evaluation of AR

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 1/24/2024 11:55:47 AM (GMT-8)

thanks straydog......I am certainly hoping you're right and they'll just prescribe meds and monitor me because at my age (74) I really need to avoid any kind of evasive surgery that requires a knife. The VA has been good to me on most medical issue over the past 25 years but the last place I would want open heart surgery done is at the VA due to basically less operating room experience mainly. It is an inspiration to know that you have endured this same issue and have done well with just meds and monitoring for 40 years. I will keep you posted after I see Cardio again on Feb. 22nd.

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 1/25/2024 7:43:47 PM (GMT-8)

You were right STRAYDOG !!!!!....nailed it perfectly on your assumption. I went to the VA Cardio Clinic today and they added Sacubitril 49mg., increased to a full pill of Metroprol 25 mg. plus aspirin continued. Heart muscle is weak at 40 and leaking arotic value is moderate. The put an EKG monitoring device on my chest today to wear 24/7 for next two weeks and submit for additional analysis. I am actually happy at this stage knowing that my condition does not merit surgical repair....just meds and monitoring. I will be seen at the Heart Failure Clinic on March 11....not clear what that testing is all about there but guess I'll find out then.

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 2/22/2024 10:43:18 AM (GMT-8)

Your advice and input has been kindly appreciated.....nothing is better in my book than the input of those who have already done the learning curve and now sharing their experiences with newbies.

Hey Straydog.....doing more testing tomorrow at the VAMC Heart Failure Clinic. Hope what I've done so far with meds and walking 30 minutes daily shows some progress note. As I understand the Heart Muscle rate is evaluated as Ejection Fraction (EF) and a good heart (EF) should be 50-60. I was diagnosed as 40 (Normal Low). I guess a stress test of some kind will be involved tomorrow as I am getting a EKG device applied earlier to appointment time along with lab blood draw hours ahead. Wish me luck on seeing some improvement.

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 3/10/2024 12:11:02 PM (GMT-8)