Info on MVPS

[Frederik]

Hi, I was diagnosed with panic attacks and PVC's caused by stress and anxiety. I even had a echocardiogram made, and the
docter told me all my valves were fine. But now another doctor
says I could have the "Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome". What is
that?? Cardiologist said my valves were fine. Could this
explain my panic attacks and chest tightness?
thx

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a structural abnormality of the mitral valve where the valve leaflet flip backwards (or prolapse) into the upper heart chamber.  It may or may not be accompanied by regurgitation (backwards blood flow).  In the early days of echo MVP was "overdiagnosed" and we now realize that many people who were diagnosed with MVP actually have normal valves.  MVPS is a syndrome of fast heart rates, anxiety, etc. that usually occurs in young women.  It used to be thought there was an association with MVP but given the current state of knowledge there probably is no association and thus the shift in terminology to POTS.  Hope this clarifies things for you.  You can find many other postings on this site dealing with these topics if you have additional questions.

[marie]

I am now totally comfused about MVP.  I was told it had something to do with a structural abnormality of the heart valve..not at all what POTS is!!  Please explain further!  I've been diagnosed with MVP..but was later told that I did not have this.  Someone else I know was diagnosed with POTS, but because of a rapid heart rate, not a leaky valve.

Marie

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

MVPS is an older term that has been supplanted by POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).  This is a syndrome of fast heart rates, fainting and normal or near normal blood pressures.  It is more common in young women and may be confused with a variety of other diagnoses including panic attacks.