Mechanical heart valves can they leak?

Question

I had mechanical heart vavles 8 months ago and have been really well now I feel ill again and need another echo can mechanical valves leak

Answer 1

It could be a problem with the valve but its pretty unlikely since its been fine for so long, more likely it could be another problem that's developed. Was it just one valve you had done? It could be a problem with a different valve, or another problem in the heart not related to the valve. There's no definitive answer until you have your echo and maybe ECG, the echo would show any structural probs while the ECG will show any problems with the electrical impulses making your heart beat.

Hope you get your appointment soon.

Answer 2

They can leak.

There are a lot of other things that can happen. One is 'vegetation' - this is where you get a build up like a fungus growing on the valve. It is not usual but still not uncommon.

The good news is that this will show up on echo and is treated with antibiotics.

I'm not saying this is what has happened, but is a possibility.

Answer 3

the simple answer is no they can not leak, but as someone suggested there may be a vegetation on the valve. A vegetation is a medical way of describing a large collection of bacteria within the heart. Though it may also be a clot affecting the valve, The echo will help determine the problem. Once they make a diagnosis they will offer you the correct course of treatment.

a collection of bacteria within the heart can be called a few different names: endocarditis, SBE (sub acute bacterial endocarditis)

I am a paediatric nurse in the uk.

Answer 4

http://www.carbomedics.com/professional_...

both thease sights shud answer all your questions hun