Frequently asked questions relating to valve disease
A murmur is a sound that blood makes as it travels through a heart valve which is thickened or leaking.
If you notice new or worsening shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, leg swelling or palpitations – please contact us on 0113 3925298 so we can better assess your symptoms.
There is nothing you have done to cause the problem with your heart valve and there is nothing you can do to prevent heart valve disease.
Generally speaking, valve disease is not a genetic condition, however certain abnormalities can be inherited. We will advise on family screening when relevant.
There are no medications which can prevent valve disease or halts its progression however you may be prescribed medication to help control other things like blood pressure, fluid overload, heart rate and rhythm or angina.
If you have severe valve disease and are feeling unwell because of this, we will undertake a number of tests to ascertain if surgical or key-hole intervention is appropriate for you. If you have intrusive symptoms and severe valve disease, it is likely you will need some form of intervention.
Generally speaking yes. The only restrictions implemented by the DVLA relate to patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who have dizziness or pass out.
Yes. There are no restrictions to travelling abroad however please make your insurance company aware of your heart valve disease.
Yes – however please make us aware if you fall pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant as we will refer you to our specialist Combined Cardiology and Obstetrics Clinic.
Yes. We encourage being active to improve physical and mental health. Those who wish to take part in intense exercise or professional sports should discuss this with their heart valve specialist as certain sports should be avoided with certain heart valve conditions.
Frequently asked questions relating to the valve clinic
You have been referred in to this specialist service by either your GP, one our Consultants from a different speciality or by a Cardiologist at your local hospital. We can confirm this for you at your appointment.
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to your appointment with you – this is encouraged of you have any memory or mobility problems. Your companion may not be able to come in for every test with you, but they can be present for your consultation if you wish.
If you have any tests performed during your consultation, you will receive the results of these on the day. If you have tests done prior to your visit, you will also receive the results during your consultation. Should you require any tests following your consultations, you will receive a results letter by post.
The frequency of your follow up depends on the type and severity of valve disease you have. For example, someone with a mildly leaky valve may only be seen every 3-5 years, whereas someone with severely thickened valve will be seen every 6 months.
We can arrange ‘Patient Initiated Follow-Up’ or PIFU for patients with certain valve conditions. This means we would not arrange set-follow up however you would need to contact us should you feel unwell. If you have significant or complex valve disease we do prefer to arrange set follow up – so this is something you should have a detailed discussion with your heart valve specialist about.
We continually monitor our waiting lists and hence there should not be a big delay – however, as we are recovering from the pandemic, we may see you a few weeks or months later than we had initially planned. If you have any concerns, or your appointment is delayed – please contact us on 0113 3926642 or 0113 3925263
At the present time, we only run our specialist clinics from the LGI. This is so we can endeavour to provide all aspects of care on the same day from a central hub. If you are unable to make it to the LGI, please let us know and we may be ab le to arrange diagnostic tests at our satellite sites with a telephone consultation afterward.
We have ‘padlets’ available in the clinic rooms which connect us to a Language Line translations application.
If you need hospital transport, this needs to be arranged via your GP.