Mitral valve repair

Posted By Jennifer on August 14, 1998 at 22:23:44:







Thank you for this forum!  I am 29 and have known of my MVP for about 20 years.  My new PCP sent me to a cardiologist because I've had a recurring dizziness which is usually accompanied by extreme sleepiness for 7 years that has gone undiagnosed. The dizziness usually begins around lunchtime and can last all afternoon. A good nap cures it, but that's rarely possible.  After a stress test and echo, the dr suggests a heart cath then valve repair surgery.  He also suspects a leak between the atrium.  I went 8 minutes on the treadmill afterwards having a tightness in my throat.  The echo showed leakage or "backwash" into the pulmonary vein.  I was told that my MVP has worsened probably due to the birth of my 2 children.  Does MVP get worse?  What will the cath show?  Is surgery necessary if there is no other hole or leak besides the MVP?  I was told that people who have valve repair surgery come out feeling great, beforehand not realizing they were not living a normal life.  I DO realize that I don't have the stamina of most people.  I get out of breath going upstairs, am dizzy quite often or have a migraine.  Do you at the Clinic recommend valve repair surgery to everyone with MVP or is it only for those with certain problems?  I'd like a 2nd opinion and family and friends have recommended Henry Ford Hospital(MI). My cardiologist will not release the echo for my 2nd opinion.  I want to be certain that the 2nd dr will release all the info necessary if surgery is recommended. (My dr recommended your Clinic or U of M for surgery.) Can you comment on this-Henry Ford, 2nd opinions, and release of info? Any other comments would be appreciated.  THANK YOU!!