Louanna's Profile

I was first diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse with regurgitation in 1995, when I was 32 years old. No significant symptoms other than occasional heart flutter and have taken antibiotics for all dental appointments. As advised, every 5 years, I have had an echocardiogram and each time it has indicated mild regurgitation. In May 2018, my physician noticed that my mitral valve sounded more pronounced and my last echo was 4 years ago. I had an echocardiogram on May 15 and the results indicated moderate to severe regurgitation. On June 5, I had a trans-esophageal (TEE) echo, which showed moderate mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation volume 84ml. Flail anterior and posterior leaflets, and ruptured chordea. June 27, I met with a cardiologist and he shared I need a very intricate valve repair. I had an heart catheterization on July 2 and do not need any bypass surgery. I am seeing two surgeons on July 17 and August 8 to determine who, where and when I prefer to perform the surgery. I spent yesterday, August 8, at Northwestern Medicine. Completed more tests and met with Dr Thomas and Dr McCarthy. I’m very confident in this team and am ready to move forward. I’m scheduled for mitral valve repair on Monday, August 20.