Normal mitral valve velocity?

[Rosie814]

I'm 38 and have known I had MVP for about 6 years.  I actually have had it since my early 20s but no one told me an echo I had then wasn't normal, until about 6 years ago.  I had an echocardiogram a couple weeks ago after not having one for a while.  I heard the doctor say to his nurse, "We need to do an echo.  Her last mitral valve velocity was 6.9.  So we really need to do it."

What does that value mean?  I've tried Internet searches and can't find a thing.  I should have asked the doctor right then, but I didn't.  He's one of those just do as I say and don't ask me questions kind of doctors so he wouldn't give an in-depth answer anyway.  He also told me the amount of leakage I have "is the worst he's seen."  Considering most of his patients are in their 70s and 80s, that doesn't sound good to me.

Most of the time I don't have major symptoms from the MVP.  Sometimes I get really tired, but I also don't sleep enough at night.  But I don't have major palpitations as long as I limit caffeine and I exercise a lot and have never had shortness of breath.  Basically I feel fine until I go in for a doctor's appointment and get all stressed out about my MVP again. But I read you can have severe mitral regurgitation and not always have symptoms.  So now I'm worried again.

Thanks so much.

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

Rosie,

Thanks for the post.

The velocity of blood that passes through the mitral valve is determined normally by the pressure difference between the left atrium and left ventricle. Doppler Echo measurements of this velocity can be used with other data to determine if there is any resistance to flow across the valve. There are multiple factors that can affect the velocity as well as incorrect measurement.  

Without seeing your echo in it's entirety, I think it's a disservice to comment on a single value.  Stenosis and regurgitation are generally commented on in the echo report. If this wasn't mentioned, I would not focus solely on the velocity measurement.

good luck

[Rosie814]

Just wanted to add, I'm on no heart meds, just Dilantin for one seizure nearly 16 yeas ago.  I doubt that makes a difference but just wanted to be sure.

[EchoTech]

It sounds more like a typographical error than real data.  The left atrium would never be able to generate that kind of pressure that he's talking about.  the real question is how do you feel?  People make the mistake of getting hung up on a number, when instead it is life that they should be focusing on.

[Tink Collector]

I'm 34 female and was just diagnosed with MVP also.  I never had any issues with my heart until May 23rd.  I felt a "pop" in my chest that was not painful, but I knew was abnormal.  Following the "pop" I noticed that my heart wasn't beating... it was really scary.  I have been through the ringer with tests, etc. and have finally been diagnosed.  I am suffering from PVC's quite often and feel exhausted all the time now.  It's very frightening and I wanted to know, since this is new, what symptoms to expect.  I often feel light-headed and almost confused at times.  My BP is low and BPM are low (usually 50).  I am taking Antennol, which lowers things even more.  THe doctor continues to tell me that this is not life threatening, but it sure feels like it is.  My quality of life has certainely changed since 5/23.  I can't get out of my mind, that I couldn't possibly have heart failure because things are running so low.... or that reguritation could start?  Do you have any info for me?

[Rosie814]

Thank you, Echo Tech.   Hopefully it was an error. My doc is good at making me paranoid with his comments, but then won't give me details when I ask.  Maybe I need a new doc.  Or no doc at all.  I don't worry about my MVP much at all until after a trip to the office.