MVP

I have recently been diagnose with mvp.  I know that mvp is usually benign, however I still have some questions.

1.  I have heard that usually mvp is benign, what must be present for mvp not to be benign?

2.  Which mvp patients are at risk for sudden death?

3.  My cardio. told me on a scale of 1-4 (4 being worst) I was a 1, what does that mean? I have never heard that mvp has 4 basic stages, but that is what he said.

4.  He prescribed antibiotics before invasive procedures, but he said that he was only doing it for precaution, not because I really needed it.  What does that mean?

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!! I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THIS FORUM!

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

I have heard that usually mvp is benign, what must be present for mvp not to be benign? Generally, if MVP is associated with mitral regurgitation or the compromise of heart funciton this carries a worse prognosis.  

     2. Which mvp patients are at risk for sudden death?
Patients with regurgitation or a decrease in heart funciton are at most risk.  

     3. My cardio. told me on a scale of 1-4 (4 being worst) I was a 1, what does that mean? I have never heard that
     mvp has 4 basic stages, but that is what he said.

I am uncertain what they were referring to.  It would be best to ask for calrification.  We often use a scale of 1-4 to characterize the degree of regurgitation in a valve, but this may not be what he is referring to.  

     4. He prescribed antibiotics before invasive procedures, but he said that he was only doing it for precaution, not
     because I really needed it. What does that mean?

We give antibiotics if there is a murmur of evidence of regurgitation.