I had a mitral valve repair in July of 2009. Last Wednesday at my annual physical my PCP said I had an abnormal EKG ( he said it showed a possible problem with the right side of my heart ). I have felt pressure in my chest especially when I exercise & just a little bit when at rest for about the last 6 weeks which I ignored until my EKG result. I have an appointment with my cardiologist in 9 days. What do you think are the possibilities? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.              Howard Watt
Hello, More and exact information about the status of mitral repair and the right heart will be available as we get a 2 D echocardiography done. The cause of the same depends on the reason why mitral valve repair was done. Generally the possibilities are 1) Higher lung pressure causing right valve leak, dilatation or decreased pumping 2) The repair has lived its time as its 7 years, and the disease might have progressed 3) Any new mitral disease 4) In previous era, tricuspid valve was not repaired even if it had moderate to severe disease considering its self healed after mitral repair.  So the same may have progressed 5) Fall in function of left beret post mitral repair. There can be Hun Chat Doctor.  The treatment for the same is based on etiology. Regards