Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse, Panic Attacks, and Intense Exercise Hi, My name is Aimee and I'm a college student who runs cross country and track. I was diagnosed with panic disorder four years ago, and have recently been diagnosed with MVP after experiencing a shortness of breath and palpitations during long distance exercise and especially weight lifting. I certainly feel better when I am hydrated, but I am still concerned for a number of reasons. First, I have MVP with a leakage, and I read one article that suggested that patients with such a diagnosis should avoid intense exercise. Is this really true? My cardiologist did tell me I could run all I wanted, but was this just because she doesn't want to upset me by suggesting difficult life changes? Am I really at risk? My second concern has to do with my symptoms. I can be running or lifting and I'll experience a shortness of breath and or palpitations and or chest Pain. It's rather disconcerting because I don't know whether it's a harmless panic attack or something to be concerned about. I've had a number of these episodes and they've calmed dowm after exercise, but have sometimes been followed by what is very obviously a panic attack. Tell me what my limits are as far as exercise. Would a marathon be too straining on my heart? What about a triathalon? I have trouble with high resistance such as weight lifting. Is biking with resistance bad also? What are these symptoms from? And how can they be harmless? I'm pretty nervous about this whole thing and I'd really appreciate it if you could get back to me soon! Thanks, Aimee
________ Dear Aimee, thank you for your question. I'll answer each of your questions. 1) I would have to know that degree of leakage of your mitral valve to comment on the issue of exercise. However, I suspect that you only have mild mitral regurgitation which is considered a normal variant. Thus, you should follow your physician's advice but ask about the degree of regurgitation at your next visit. 2) The palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain that is experienced by many people who have MVP is benign and is not harmful. These symptoms may be related to your anxiety disorder, but should not limit your exercise capacity at all. I think it's great that you are in such great shape that you are considering a triathalon and a marathon. Good luck with these endeavors and I doubt that your MVP or panic disorder will get in the way. However, only your own physician can give actual advice and recommendations. I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions. Good luck! If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart
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