Mitral Regurgitation

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with mitral valve prolapse.  I awoke one night shortly after the birth of my third child with symptoms suggestive of a heart attack.  I went to the ER and was told everything was okay.  I consulted with a cardiologist and was told I had MVP.  I was put on medication.  The history after that with this problem was that I was on and off medication due to side effects.  I would have symptoms of rapid heart beating
and put on medication for that.  I saw manycardiologists and doctors over the years.  Some would say on the basis of listening that I definitely DID NOT have MVP.  Some would say I did.  I continued to take SBE prophylaxis over that entire time as a safeguard.  

Recently I have been having more symptoms and they have worsened.  I have gained weight and also have developed high blood pressure.  I had one episode that I had to call the EMTs for and they said that it registered on the rhythm strips that I was having SVT. At the hospital it only registered as sinus tachycardia but it rain in the 130-150s for about 2 hours then down to 110-120s for the next two and finally leveling off in the low 100s.  I went to another cardiologist after this and was just told today (by a nurse) that the echocardiogram shows no MVP but shows mild to moderate mitral regurgitation.  In the last few months I have had lots of tests including EKGs, 24-hour Holter, Thallium scan, and now this echocardiogram.  I had one cardiologist about three months ago do the thallium, 24-hour monitor, and EKG and said i didnt need an ECHO.  He said from listening that i DEFINITELY HAD MVP and that I needed to take SBE prophylaxis!  After this episode with the SVT I decided to get a second opinion altogether and upon physical exam by the new cardiologist he says I DEFINITELY DONT have MVP but he performed this ECHO and the reading says now I have mild to moderate mitral regurgitation.  This doctor put me on Verapamil to help with the blood pressure and the arrhythmia and tachycardia problems.

My question to you is WHY all the discrepancies.  What am I to believe?  How serious is this?  I understand that it can be progressive and can need repair?  I would just like some general information so that I will know what kind of questions to ask him when I go in for my follow-up appt. in about a week.  I am very perplexed and concerned that anyone really knows what is going on with me.  I have a VERY STRONG family history for heart disease of all sorts including in m y father alone stroke,CAD,CHF, Pacemaker!  so I really would like to try to avoid these problems if possible.  Thank you for your help.

Beverly

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thank you for your question.  Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition of the mitral valve where the leaflets of the valve cross back into the atrium (upper chamber) of the heart during the pumping phase of the heartbeat.  It is a congenital (something one is born with) condition that may progress with age and not be detected until later in life.   MVP  is more common in women and has been associated (but not demonstrated to cause) with a number of symptoms such as palpitations, panic attacks and other complaints.   There may be some back-flow of blood into the atrium due to the prolapse and this is called mitral regurgitation.  

In the early days of echo >10 years ago, MVP was more often diagnosed.  Today we realize that most of these cases were not actually MVP but were within normal limits.  This is the most likely source of your confusion.  Hope this helps sort things out for you.  Good luck.

[M.M.]

I don't think your answer was very helpful at all.  I, too, have been diagnosed with "mild to moderate" regurgitation, based on an echocardiagram.  I was told my heart size and valves were normal.  I was told to exercise religiously and have a follow up echo in five years.  The writer of this letter wanted to know how serious is this?  Me, too.  The cardiologist I saw seemed to downplay it, but when I read about it, it sounds rather scary.  What IS the best lifestyle?  Is there a way to thwart this, to avoid the gories?  How can exercise, which makes the heart work harder, help?

[Maya]

I agree with M.M.  The doctors answer to Beverlys questions was totally inadequate.  I too have just been diagnosed with Aorta Regurgitation.  After an ECHO the doctor spent quite literally 2-3 minutes with me, gave me a BP prescription and said we would talk more the next visit.  It is unconscionable to tell a person they have a heart problem and not take the time to give them ANY information at all.  It is VERY SCARY.  This disregard for patients as human beings annoys me.  It is OUR lives we are talking about.  Try to relate.  If anyone out there can tell me if there is a good doctor in Fremont, CA I would appreciate it.  M.M. and Beverly, let us know how you are doing.  Mario if you are reading this, your comments have been very enlightening.  Thanks all of you.  Is there anywhere I can go for more information?  I am sure the doctors there try to do a good job and we appreciate it; but, you sure dropped the ball on this one.

[Maya]

I agree with M.M.  The doctors answer to Beverlys questions was certainly inadequate.  I also have just been diagnosed with aorta regurgitation.  After an ECHO, the doctor spent literally only 2 minutes with me.  He prescribed Ramipril and did not bother to tell me exactly what it was, what it could lead to, what caused it - NOTHING.  He whisked me out and said we could talk more at a later visit.  So here I sit desperately trying to research this and figure it out.  I think it is incomprehensible to tell someone they have a heart problem (which scares you out of your mind), and then make it worse by keeping them in the dark.  This doctors

[Darla]

Nice to have a forum like this.  I have a few questions.  First I will tell you what I am dealing with.  I am a single mom, in early 40's.  About 10 years ago when I left my husband I attempted suicide, I mixed a pain reliever that changes the electrolitic content of muscles and muscle relaxers and beer.  The doctors said they thought I was going to die that night.
It was just a spur of the moment decision, my dad had died recently my brother had been murdered, and I had left my husband an had 4 kids to raise.
Anyway I did it, and know it was stupid.  Well l0 years later I am doing great, has been rough raising the kids but we have survived.  Well I damaged my mitral valve in my heart over that stupid episode.  I was told I have mitral valve prolaspe, sorry can't spell that well.  The heart specialist told me I had to quite smoking and was very adament about it.  So after several months, (10 years ago) I did quite.  Well there has been several stressful situations come up in the past year and I started smoking again.  Now at night when I am trying to go to sleep I can feel my heart skipping beats, pausing and sometimes feels like it is so long befor it starts to beat that it will never beat again.  It probably does the same thing during the day but I can ignore it during the day.  The doctor I have been going to for 10 years does not know about this problem, and if they do they never mention it to me, so I just never told them I know about it.  Is a gov. clinic anyway and the money isn't there for people for serious problems anyway.  So why bother telling them about it?  I can't get insurance because of the suicide attempt and what my medical records have in them.  So I was wondering what a valve replacement might cost and if anyone knew of any kind of funding for people in my situation.  I know I did this to myself and just ought to live with it an die with it.  But I still am raising 2 of my son's an would like to finish that first befor I go anywhere.  Sorry if all this sounds really stupid.  Maybe I already know the answer, that there is no answer.

[linda f]

all i want to know is how serious is this condition.

[Sandra Gathings]

I was hospitalized last week with left arm and chest pains.  My normal 100/60 blood pressure was 162/94. My left arm and hand were intermittently discolored and cooler to the touch then the right. Nitroglycerin patches eased the cramp-like pain.  

The was the second such episode in the past 1-1/2 years.  There have been other symptoms including palpitations, a strong "awareness" of my heart and a feeling of being lightheaded.  Therefore a cardiologist performed a cardiac catheterization to rule our coronary artery disease.  

I was told that I have a mitral valve problem and a heart murmur (second degree?), yet my GP only prescribed beta blockers and acted as though the whole problem was insignificant.  The cardiologist NEVER came by my room to discuss the condition.  I do not know whether I have mitral valve prolapse, stenosis, incompetence or regurgitation.  

I am 49 years old. My medical history includes a bowel resection at age 40, with removal of a portion of the terminal ileum, ileocecal (sp?) valve and cecum.  Additionally, I had a cholestectomy at that time.  At age 23 I had a bilateral-salpingo oopherectomy and hysterectomy.  All that said, I work diligently to manage my nutrition and limit medications.  

Now this valve problem has reared it's "ugly head" making me light headed, and my arm and chest have been hurting for 10 days.  I have been unable to work because I have trouble focusing. It feels as though I have "cobwebs" in my head.  My questions are:

1.  Are nutritional deficiencies contributory?
2.  I lived so many years symptom-free, but recently have
    experienced a number of personal stresses.  Can stress  
trigger these attacks?
3.  If stress is a factor, would biofeedback techniques be an
    option for managing this condition (rather than beta
    blockers)?

Help!  I do not intend to let this minor defect control my life!

[Lisa Montalbano]

I was just diagnosed with mitral regurgitation and trivial tricuspid regurgitation if you have any info please let me know.

[Diane]

Hello????? Is the doctor IN????

What the he-- is going on in here?  I've just found this forum today, and so far have read several topics, and this so called "doctor" is getting on my nerves!

If you are actually a cardiologist ... then get to work, or get the "blank" out of here!  Listen, if you opened this forum to help us, advise us, and inforum us, you are NOT doing your job!

I don't care if I upset you, or ruffle your feathers, you need to wake up a little here!  You have ALL these posts begging for help, and some answers ... YOU are in the field, YOU have the connection to other cardiologists, board meetings, etc ... do something, start some things moving, or don't offer such a forum as this .. geesh, we are doing most of the work ourselves!

My opinion!
Diane

[Clesia Wells]

My father-in-law was just diagnosed with regurgitation in the mitral valve, or the valve in the lower left side of the heart.  I am, as well as he, concerned about the prognosis of this disorder and would greatly appreciate any information you can give on this and any possible treatments.

[Elizabeth]

I too, have mitral regurgitation mild to moderate with no help from my doctor. So, I know how everyone feels.I can't find any help here either. I wonder what is wrong. Someone please let us know.
Thanks,

[jan]

They only reply to 2 posts a day presently.
I have mild mvp and mild regurg of the mitral and tricuspid. I was told I would have an echo periodically to check for any progression.   If you go to "search" at the top of the forum page and put in keywords pertaining to your condition,you can read alot of questions and responses about it.

[Richard De Prospero e mail edsorp7@a]

I am a 69 year old white male, recently told I have "mild tricuspid regurgitation with mild pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary systolic pressure calculated at 35 mmhg."  There were other findings following an echocardigram such as ejection fraction of 52%; preserved overall left ventricular systolic function; normal left ventricular internal diameter; no evidence of intracardiac thrombi or masses; no pericardial effusion; mild left atrial enlargement and normal mitral valve and aortic valve leaflet excursion and coaptation.  The echo report further suggested that the mitral regurgitation may be underestimated, in that regurgitant jet is directed towards the atrial septal wall causing a coander effect.  A transesophageal echo was suggested as a further diagnostic tool. Finally, in addition to the M-Mode measurements, it was stated that there is normal anterior and posterior mitral leaflet separation with normal motion of both mitral leaflets.  
I have no symptoms except for occasional coughing and shortness of breath.  I am overweight at 240 lbs and 6 ft.  The cardiologist recommended further examination in one year; no medication or surgery recommended now.
Any information or opinions will be appreciated.

[janelle]

I TO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE DIAGNOSIS OF MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE, PERICARDITIS AND SVD.  I SOUGHT OUT TREATMENT FOR MANY DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS: OUT OF CONTROL RAPID HEART RATE WITH INCREDIBLY LOW BLOOD PRESSURE (EMERGENCY TREATMENT); INTENSE HEART PAINS THAT CAUSE MY BODY TO LURCH FORWARD AND LET OUT A "SCREAM";A FEELING OF LIGHT HEADEDNESS THAT FEELS AS IF I AM BEING STRANGLED; AND AN IRREGULAR HEART RATE THAT I CAN SOMETIMES STOP INSTANTLY WITH A COUGH BUT SOMETIMES IT HAS TO RUN ITS COURSE.  WITH THE DIFFERENT EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIANS AND TWO DIFFERENT CARDIOLOGIST ALL COMING UP WITH DIFFERENT DIAGNOSIS' I AM STILL NOT IN BELIEF THAT THE TRUE UNDERLYING PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND AND THAT SCARES ME.  I HAVE BEEN PUT ON INDERAL, DEPAKOTE, AND TENORMIN. I ALSO HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AND ALL THE ABOVE DRUGS LOWER MY PRESSURE MORE, AND FATIGUE ME MORE THAN I AM. THEY CANNOT BE A SOLUTION FOR ME NOR DO THEY ADDRESS THE PAINFUL ATTACKS.  I AM AT MY WITS END AND BELIEVE A LOT OF THE "ITS A MINOR PROBLEM" AND "TAKE THESE CURE ALL PILLS" IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I AM YOUNG (29), PETITE AND LOOK QUITE HEALTHY(MAKEUP TAKES THE FATIGUED WHITE OUT OF MY FACE).  AS FAR AS THE ANSWER OF PANIC ATTACKS IN THE REPLY I BEG TO DIFFER.  CHEST PAIN IN ITSELF CAN BRING ON "PANIC" BUT THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM IS NOT A "PANIC ATTACK".

[lane gossett]

I am an 18 year old female and have been diagnosed with SVT and mitral vale prolapse. My condition surfaced due to a intense anxiety attack. The last time I had an SVT attack (about a year ago) my heart rate was 238+bpm. I have been on different medications such as Effexor XR 75mg., Atenolol 50-100mg., and Lanoxin, among others. I am currently taking 50mgs of Atenolol a day, plus .25mgs of Xanax 3 times a day for nerves. No matter what medication I take my condition still bothers me. At least twice a day I develope symptoms such as fatiuge, clammy, sweaty palms and feet, anxiousness, fast (more than normal for me) heart rate, tight chest, palpitations, slight restrictions in breathing patterns, ect. This occurs more frequently at night, when I am relaxed. This is very annoying as well as a little scary for me. Are these the standard symptoms of my diagnosed illness or is it something more serious? Last week I got fed up with it and went to an emergency room (I do not have insurance or medicade, therefore I do not have a regular physician). The doctors passed it off as not serious (my heart rate was 152bpm at its highest), gave me something to calm me down and sent me home. They also put me back on Atenolol and the Xanax (I quit my previous prescription because i could not afford to buy the medication).  I am manic depressive and have had much stress put on me the past few years. My old doctor thought my problem was a physical effect of that, but I dont belive so. No one seems to listen to me, or take me seriously. I just want to know if I should keep ignoring it, or if something can be done, like an operation to correct my valve. Most of my symptoms are only mild to moderate, but I really want something to be done to completely fix the problem. Thank whovever reads this for their time.
Lane Gossett
Atlanta, GA

[shayna]

hello,
i was diagnosed with two leaks in my mitral valve and in my pulmonic valve.i am young,only 35.this developed after my first pregnancy three years ago.
i was given an echo and told i do not have the cLICK but i get very rapid and erratic heart beats. i am very worried about the future as heart disease runs rampant in my family.
anyone with info or support please write,
thank you

[raelynn]

I was just diagnosed with leaking valves due to damage caused by taking redux.  I have lots of questions, no answers.  Has anyone dealt with this?  Advise?

[Susan Shropshire]

Dear Sirs,
     I have been diagnosed with mitral and tricusbid valve regurgitations. It is questionable as to when I should have my repairs done. It would be greatly appreciated if you would be able to send me any information reguarding these conditions.
                        Thanking you in advance,
                                    Susan A. Shropshire, R.N.

[jeanne not a doctor]

I HAVE BEEN GOING THRU THE SAME THING AND STAY UP NIGHTS RESEARCHING ON PC.....I CAME ACROSS THIS INFORMATION YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK THIS UP( TOO SLEEP APENA) CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND WIEGHT GAIN,LEFT VAULE OR HEART ENLARGEMENT..
SLEEP DIORDER SPECIALIEST....CHECK THE SITES FOR WEBMDHEALTH

[glenna g. gibson]

I HAVE BEEN GOING THRU THE SAME THING AND STAY UP NIGHTS RESEARCHING ON PC.....I CAME ACROSS THIS INFORMATION YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK THIS UP( TOO SLEEP APENA) CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND WIEGHT GAIN,LEFT VAULE OR HEART ENLARGEMENT..
SLEEP DIORDER SPECIALIEST....CHECK THE SITES FOR WEBMDHEALTH

[b_scott]

I have a question. I have what seems to be a blood clot the size of a pea on my arm. You can see it and it's really scaring me. Can somebody help?

[bonlou]

A related discussion, mitral valve prolapse syndrome was started.

[Bellann]

A related discussion, Chest Injury Causing Heart Problems was started.

[blonde1973]

A related discussion, MVP-MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE was started.