Re: Advice

[Sara__0__0]

Posted By Sara on May 04, 1999 at 09:40:05
Hello,
I have a few questions about MVP and Mitral Regurgitation.
1. What is the difference?
2. Can someone with MVP develop MR?
3. What are the symptoms of MR?
I also have a few questions about MVP itself.
1. Why would someone with MVP start having symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pains, and palputations, when they have never had them before?
2. Can a lack of exercise cause the onset of these symptoms?
I would also like some advice on choosing a cardiologist. The one that I have been with since childhood, is not, I believe, satisfying my questions, worries or needs. For one, I have not seen this particular doctor since 1990. He has never said that I should have regular visits. I am wondering if I am in need of another ultrasound. 1990 was the last time that I had any tests at all. I am 21 now and am concerned about the MVP. I have noticed that a Cleveland Clinic is being built in my area. Do you recommend calling them and asking for a reference? I hope that I am not taking up to much of your time. Thank you for answering my questions.
Sincerely,
Sara

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD -CRC on May 05, 1999 at 13:21:09

Dear Sara,

Q: 1. What is the difference between MR and MVP?
2. Can someone with MVP develop MR?
3. What are the symptoms of MR?
A: 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.  Certain diet drugs (i.e. redux) may be associated with MVP.  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 (MR).   Mild to moderate MR is usually asymptomatic.  Severe MR may lead to heart failure which manifests as fatigue and shortness of breath.
MVP is generally a benign process and does not usually require any special treatment or cause for concern.  If there is mitral regurgitation associated with MVP antibiotics are recommended before dental procedures and certain other medical procedures to reduce the risk of an infection starting on the valve (endocarditis).  Severe regurgitation due to MVP may require surgery to repair the valve.
Q: 1. Why would someone with MVP start having symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pains, and palputations, when they have
never had them before?
2. Can a lack of exercise cause the onset of these symptoms?
A: Supraventricular tachycardias are fast heart beats originating from the upper chambers of the heart.  They may be associated with MVP and are often treated with beta-blockers.  Potential side-effects of beta-blockers are fatigue, depression and impotence in men.  If you notice any of these symptoms you should notify your doctor.  Exercise may help decrease some of these symptoms and a lack of exercise may exacerbate them.
Q:  I have noticed that a Cleveland Clinic is being built in my area. Do you recommend calling them and asking for a reference?
A: We would be happy to see you here and you can make an appointment by calling the number below.

Here are some additional websites with information on MVP.

http://www.stayhealthy.com/hrdfiles/hrd00277.html
http://www.beWELL.com/healthy/woman/1997/mvp/
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/6911/
http://www.rxmed.com/illnesses/mitral_valve_prolapse.html

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.












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Advice Sara 5/05/1999
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