Diagnosed with MVP-should I get second opinion?

[giasmom]

I was recently diagnosed with MVP. 34 year old female-quit smoking 3 weeks ago. I have had an echo and a stress test.  The stress test showed normal. (I did have some "skipped" beats on cool down) The echo conclusion was: patient has mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation.  There is no stenosis.  Normal left ventricular function.  Ejection fraction estimated at 60%. My doctor said he saw an M on the EKG, but that it was nothing to worry about. (I'm not quite sure what that means) I have opted not to go with medication at this point, even though I have shortness of breath and chest pain quite frequently.  I have an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic in a few weeks.  I am wondering if I should keep that appointment or if it's a waste of time to get a second opinion?  My family is very concerned, even though I reassure them daily that I am not going to fall over dead any time soon! :)  From my understanding I am and will be just fine with this condition.

[CCF-M.D.-BJ]

see below

[tickertock]

I was diagnosed as having mild mitral valve prolapse on echo when I was 18, I'll be 42 in a little less than a month. My echo in 2001 showed no MVP , in 2005 the cardio once again  told me I did not have mitral valve prolapse.

From what I understand mild MVP amd mild regurgitation is still labelled " a structural normal heart" and usually does not progress further even though its still good to get checked every couple years or if symptoms change.

When I had PVCs they present as M shaped on the EKG and even though the cardiologist and computer printout identifies them as PVCs, it is my understanding that sometimes aberrantly conducted PACs can present on EKG with this shape, I guess either the clinical significance or prognosis makes really no difference. My opinion only , I'm not a medical doctor.

[CCF-MD-MJM]

Hello,

MVP can be a frustrating condition, but in general it has a good prognosis.  I say it is frustrating because the symptoms can be out of proportion to the degree of valvular regurgitation.  If you echo  shows only mild leaking, this is not going to cause you any problems.  You should have this followed and if there ar eany changes in your symptoms, an echo can be repeated to evaluate for worsening leaking of your mitral valve.

The "M" your doctor was referring is appearance of your mitral leaflets on M mode dopppler.  The important thing is to know that your valve does not leak very much.

I hope this answers your questions.  Good luck and thanks for posting.

[PikaPika88]

Is "skipped beat" same as "pause" in the EKG?

[cmiller]

You may be interested in the following article written by one of the foremost authorities on Magnesium and health:
http://www.mgwater.com/dur12.shtml

I quote:
The so-called idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (IMVP) is merely one form or aspect of latent tetany due to magnesium deficit (MDLT)1,17,37-40.  

CMiller