Echo??

  How often should a person with MVP have an echo done?  Also, how often should they have a check-up?  One more thing, when I visited my cardiologist, I overheard him tell the nurse that I had a M4.  What does this mean.  My doctor would not explain it.  Thank you

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Sara, thank you for your question.  After MVP has been diagnosed with an echo, there really is no need to repeat another echo unless the clinical symptoms change or the physician detects a cardiac murmur that could indicate that the mitral valve is leaking.  MVP is a condition that is associated with a syndrome of atypical chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath despite normal cardiac function and often, normal coronary arteries.  There is no specific treatment for MVP since it usually is a benign disorder, so typically yearly follow-up with your physician is sufficient.   I think the M4 you refer to is an S4 which is an extra sound heard with the stethescope that most often, doesn't signify anything to worry about.  However, you should ask your cardiologist for a more specific explanation.   Good luck!
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