Congenital Heart Disease Support Group
Congenital heart disease is heart disease in the newborn, and includes congenital heart defects, congenital arrythmias, cardiomyopathies, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). CHD can describe a wide variety of different abnormalities affecting the heart. CHD occurs when the heart or blood vessels near the heart does not develop properly before birth.
Hello every one-
I have watched this group for a little while now and haven't seen anyone address my particular issue.
I have a bicuspid aortic valve, which went undiagnosed unit I was 34 years old. Growing up, I was unable to run or do strenuous physical activity without becoming seriously winded. My PE teacher would tell me I'm out of shape or a wimp.
As I aged, I began feeling irregular heart beats. Sometimes, my heart would start beating super fast with just minimal exercise, or at night, when I laid down, I could feel my heart beating in my stomach. Also, when I took certain meds, it would speed up my heart.
I eventually found a good doctor, who listened to me and put me on a 24 hour halter monitor and then have had several ecocardiograms, a stress test, and other tests and so far, they only show mild regurgitation. I am supposed to have yearly eco's, but I do not have insurance at this time. I am also not on meds, as my Cardiologist did not feel I needed them.
I am afraid though...afraid that one day, It will become worse. Afraid that my valve will just burst (I nearly lost a friend to an aortic bisection last year and the dr's said that is common with bicuspid aortic valves).
Anyone out there who has experience with this????
I have watched this group for a little while now and haven't seen anyone address my particular issue.
I have a bicuspid aortic valve, which went undiagnosed unit I was 34 years old. Growing up, I was unable to run or do strenuous physical activity without becoming seriously winded. My PE teacher would tell me I'm out of shape or a wimp.
As I aged, I began feeling irregular heart beats. Sometimes, my heart would start beating super fast with just minimal exercise, or at night, when I laid down, I could feel my heart beating in my stomach. Also, when I took certain meds, it would speed up my heart.
I eventually found a good doctor, who listened to me and put me on a 24 hour halter monitor and then have had several ecocardiograms, a stress test, and other tests and so far, they only show mild regurgitation. I am supposed to have yearly eco's, but I do not have insurance at this time. I am also not on meds, as my Cardiologist did not feel I needed them.
I am afraid though...afraid that one day, It will become worse. Afraid that my valve will just burst (I nearly lost a friend to an aortic bisection last year and the dr's said that is common with bicuspid aortic valves).
Anyone out there who has experience with this????
It is so scary when your heart isn't doing what is right but if you take care of yourself, you can live a fairly normal life for a fairly normal life span. I will be happy to answer any questions, Diane