Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Question

I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse about 3 years ago. I was told that this is not life threatening. It occurs usually every day. I even have to alter my breathing to try and prevent it from occuring, because it brings tears to my eyes, it hurts so bad. Does ayone have this condition, or know more info about it?

I was diagnosed at the age of 18.

Answer 1

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a billowing of mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole. The most common cause is idiopathic myxomatous degeneration. MVP is usually benign, but complications include mitral regurgitation, endocarditis, valve rupture, and possibly thromboembolism. MVP is usually asymptomatic, although some patients experience chest pain, dyspnea, and symptoms of sympathetic excess (eg, palpitations, dizziness, near syncope, migraines, anxiety). Signs include a crisp mid-systolic click, followed by a late systolic murmur if regurgitation is present. Diagnosis is by physical examination and echocardiography. Prognosis is excellent. No specific treatment is necessary unless mitral regurgitation is present, although patients with sympathetic symptoms may benefit from β-blockers.
Please see the webpages for more details and images on Mitral valve prolapse.

Answer 2

Dear Madam,

I am a cardiologist sending this article for you. Hope it helps you.

Mitral valve prolapse, sometimes called MVP, is a common heart valve disorder. The mitral valve is between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. It has two leaflets (flaps) that control the blood flow. MVP occurs when one or both of the leaflets are enlarged or have extra tissue. MVP is usually harmless. However, major complications can occur, including a blood clot in the brain and an infection called infective endocarditis involving the mitral valve as well as other valves. MVP appears twice as often in women as in men. It is most commonly a hereditary disorder.

Some people with MVP have no symptoms. However, most patients experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and chronic fatigue. Many patients also suffer from migraines, eating and sleeping disorders, an overactive or inflamed thyroid gland, diarrhea, and cold hands and feet. Emotional stress often magnifies the symptoms.

Doctors generally prescribe regular exams and aerobic exercise for people who have MVP. Patients also are advised to restrict their intake or use of high-carbohydrate foods, caffeine, and decongestants. Some patients may need beta-blockers and specific antiarrhythmic medication. More severe cases may require surgery to repair or replace the valve or to insert an electronic regulator, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Answer 3

Your mitral valve controls blood flow on the left side of your heart. The valve opens and closes with each heartbeat. It works like a one-way gate, letting blood flow from your upper heart chamber to your lower chamber.

When you have mitral valve prolapse, the valve closes after blood flows through. But the valve bulges backward a little. It looks like a tiny parachute or balloon as it bulges.
Is this a serious problem?No. Mitral valve prolapse is not dangerous. It usually does not damage your heart. You can live a normal life without changing your activities or how you eat.

But a few people with this condition develop another problem. If the valve does not close tightly enough, blood can leak (regurgitate) into the upper chamber. This is called mitral valve regurgitation. The heart then has to work harder to pump this extra blood. Over time, this can damage the heart.

Answer 4

I have mitral valve prolapse. Usually it doesn't get worse, it's a genetic condition. It won't cause you to have a heart attack. People rarely have to have valve replacement surgery. I only found out I had it because I was in college and getting 3 hours of sleep at night. Too much stress on the body can result in chest pain and exhaustion, but now I take care of myself and usually forget that I have it. I highly recommend the book "Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome" by Lyn Frederickson.

Answer 5

You have had many respondants tell you about MVP but no one has responded directly to your complaint. You are obviously having some sort of symptom but I have never heard of serious intermittent pain as you describe it - even attempt to control it by breathing differently. MVP can cause chest pain but not like that. The mitral valve prolapses EVERY time your heart beats, rough 70 times a minute. Therefore whatever you are feeling it is not the valve prolapsing. You may be having some sort of arrhythmia or a muscle spasm or a bronchial spasm. Regardless, I think it warrants further investigation. I would start with a visit to my primary care provider.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I was diagnosed with MVP when I was 7, I am now 21. It is not life threatening but does come along with many annoying symptoms. I've read lots of articles telling how taking magnesium has helped patients with their symptoms. I, personally, have not tried this, but have been on beta blockers since I was 14. Keep in mind that nothing will cure this disease but by taking medicine, you can decrease the symptoms.

Answer 7

While they have said that it is not life threatening, the condition
does seem to be influencing the quality of your life.

You should be seeing a cardiologist on a regular basis and informing him/her of these problems so that he/she may treat you properly.

You might want to also find resources on the internet regarding
your condition so that you may become more informed.

This one is quite good.
http://heart.healthcentersonline.com/

You should also read the following article

WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR
http://heart.healthcentersonline.com/SignsSymptoms/WhentocallDr.cfm