Mitral Valve Prolapse

Posted By Laurie on September 28, 1998 at 22:41:36:







I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (echo test).  My doctor,
however,isn't convinced that the symptoms I'm suffering are as a result of
this.  My symptoms include dizziness/lightheadedness, chest tightness, and
the feeling that I need to catch my breath.  These feelings tend to come in
waves--they come, they go.  Is it possible to suffer these
symptoms just from mitral valve prolapse without an accompanying murmur?
Also, can beta blockers, specifically propranolol, increase the feeling
of lightheadedness?  I have just recently been placed on this drug and
sometimes I think it makes the dizziness worse, but I realize it probably
takes awhile to "kick in".  How long a period of time does it take for the
drug to start working?
Also, my doctor mentioned anxiety attacks to me as a possibility.  
I am a very relaxed person, so I doubt that this is the problem.
Are the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse similar to those of anxiety
attacks and, are they often confused?
Thanks!