MVP /chance of children inheriting

[uptowngirl]

Hi,thank you for taking my question. My question is brief and hopefully simple to answer.

First, I am in my 30's, MVP moderate according to echo, diagnosed 14 years ago, some degerative change in last 5-6 years.  (I have echos yearly). I am treated with two meds that work fine.

My question:  Is mitral valve prolapse an inherited condition that I could pass on to my children? When would it show up?    
I have 3 children, 2 girls, 1 son, all born healthy (last one had a slower than normal heartrate, but was fine). Children were all born in my 20's. Cardio strongly suggested we not consider having anymore children because of the meds I take, so we are following that wisdom.

By the way, I am at a healthy weight 120-125, don't smoke or drink, and feel pretty good.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Mari

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Uptowngirl,

There are inherited forms of mitral valve prolapse, but the genetics are very complicated.  For example, one gene is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion (means statistically  50% of children of a carrier parent would have the gene).  This gene however does not affect all people equally and some remain completely unaffected despite having the gene.  Other disorders associated with MVP have class clear genetic roots, but are inherited nonetheless.

The simple answer is yes it can be inherited, but the likelihood of inheritance is difficult to predict.  It may show up on physical exam during adolescents or early adulthood if present.

I would not worry about it though.  If your doctor hears a murmur, an echocardiogram will help clarify the presence of MVP.

I hope this helps.

[phil z]

If you have seen degenerative changes, why are you not scheduled for MV reapair surgery? Please, go to a major medical institution like the clevand clinic and get a second opinion. How much degeneration will it take until it's to late. I'm sorry to be an alarmist, but I made the same mistake that i think you are making. I have MV prolapse moderate-severe that we monitored every six months. I finally had surgery this past August and waited to long. My EF is now 20% and my life has changed forever. I'm 34 years old and will never forgive myself for waiting. Please go get a second opinion. While surgery isn't fun, my valve now works perfectly. They were able to repair it, not replace. It's critical that you have it done at a major institution with vast experience in REPAIRING VALVES, NOT REPLACING THEM, if at all possible. There is a big difference. Good luck. PHIL Z

[DottyCece]

I echo Phil's response.  I had MV prolape and was followed sort of but I never knew all the particulars about it.  So when my cardiologist left the clinic I went to, I didn't get another one and my primary care physician never told me to find another one or the importance of it..so I thought I was fine.  To make a very long story short I have had two heart surgeries, pacemaker and a host of arrhythmia issues and now have CHF with a decline in Ef from 50-55% to 30-35% and very symptomatic.  This has been the most difficult to accept.  I am young and employed full-time plus so this has been difficult.  The bottom line here is to repair the valve before it leads to a decline in heart function.  Maybe you can wait for a while for surgery but make sure you follow up with the cardiologist or get a second opinion from a center such as Cleveland, Mayo and there are many others of reputable status.  I would never want anyone to have the endure the troubles I have had...it has been a very rocky road to travel.

[Gaspipe]

Many "conditions"are genetically based in one way or another as would be MVP. Unless yours is the result of rheumatic fever  or other illness there would likely be a greater than normal chance one or more of your kids would inherit it. Get them checked out and if they do, have it followed and find out if they need antibiotic cverage before certain dental visits and the like. Good luck

[pms_barbie]

wow you guys cant say those things about replacement and repair.  It may not be at the point of replacement or repair yet.  I can say this because I have moderate to severe prolapse of my miral valve with mild to moderate reg.  I have been to the Cleveland clinic for an ablation.  The drs dont seem to think and even say they dont know if I will ever need mine replaced.  She said she had moderate mvp.  She didnt state the degree of leakage.  Like I said I have moderate to seveere mvp and that just the degree that it prolapses thats not the amount of the leakage.......Stephanie

[Gaspipe]

I'am glad you made that comment barbie PhilZ needs to temper his comments. To make those comments without proper qualifications and no info is way off base. while I'am sure intentions were good you just can't run talk off the cuff.

[pms_barbie]

gaspipe LOL I just read that and it about freaked me out.  Its a really scary thing knowing something is wrong with your heart.  Let alone to be scared by a statements like that.  I am sure it wasnt said to be mean I just didnt want to uptown to get more worried than she already is.  Not trying to ruffle any feathers folks.....:) STephanie

[uptowngirl]

Hi everyone,
Wow, thanks so much for all the helpful comments and insights!!

Thank you especially MJM for your expertise.  I appreciate understanding the genetic side of this issue more clearly.

I also appreciate the encouragement/warning to possibly be checked out at a larger heart center. I am not close to Cleveland (I live down South)I do have a sister in Ann Arbor, MI. That's pretty close right??  

As a side note, my prolapse is moderate, MR is only mild. I should have mentioned this in the earlier post.  I am alittle reluctant of the mitral valve repair because: 1. I have known a couple people to go through it with not so great an outcome and 2. I really feel pretty good most of the time.  Hope that makes sense.

You all are awesome!

Uptown Girl