Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
Informed patients make better patients.
Question:
What is a false cord, and should it be repaired (tricuspid valve)?
What is a false cord? My tricuspid valve has regurgitation. Is this something that should be fixed? I also have sclerosis on my aortic valve my left ventricular has impaired relaxation. I saw a cardiologist and he had a rude bedside manner. He didn't let me ask not one question. But I'm concerned about these things that were found on my echocardiogram. I would really like these concerns answered. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
submitted by Beth from Indiana on 8/17/2015
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Scott R. Sherron, MD
Beth,
Sorry to hear about the rude doctor! A few bad apples can give us all a bad name.
A false cord is an extra strand of tissue that runs across the left ventricle (main pumping chamber of heart). It is a thing that you are born with and usually causes no problem. It can sometimes be associated with extra heart beats but should not be removed.
Mild leaking or regurgitation of the tricuspid valve is very common & present in about 80% of people. It is completely benign at this level & only becomes concerning if the estimated right heart pressures are high or the leaking is severe.
Thickening of the aortic valve commonly occurs with aging & might need to be followed by echos every few years. However, it really becomes an issue only when the valve starts to get "stuck" or become stenotic where it doesn't open normally.
I hope this answers a few of your questions.
See also on this site:
Has your question or a similar one already been answered?
Search all the Heart Doctor questions and answers.
To search for a doctor or access St. Luke's physician referral service, use the "Find a Doctor" link at the top of this page.
Updated August 2015
