Re: Advice

Posted By Sara on May 01, 1999 at 22:03:39
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

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on May 05, 1999 at 11:51:32
Dear Sara,
An opinion at this local Cleveland Clinic is a good idea, regardless You simply need a doctor who will see you regularly to listen to your heart as well as order follow up echocardiograms at appropriate times (closer together for any MVP with MR and or symptoms, and only every few years in MVP with no symptoms, no MR, and an unchanged exam.)
MVP is the structural abnormality, i.e. the bulging of the mitral valve leaflet(s) back in to the atrium during contraction of the heart.  MR is the flow of blood (the wrong way) back in to the atrium during contraction of the heart secondary to the abnormal, prolapsing valve.
Approximately 15% of MVP patients will develop MR in their lifetime, and the symptoms can be anything from nothing (this is why the doctor needs to do regular physical exams since you can hear MR with a stethescope) to shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest discomfort.  Keep in mind that many MVP patients have chest pain syndromes and NO MR; so long as you are evaluated regularly and your doctor is made aware of any new symptoms, you should be fine. The pain syndrome of MVP is highly variable from patient to patient and time to time, seems not to be related to anything and obviously is poorly understood and quite bothersome to patients.  At present the only thing we have good treatment for is the MR that develops in some patients, but there is hope since many different drugs are being studied on pain syndromes.
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. Good luck.
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.

[Sara__0__0]

Posted By Sara on May 05, 1999 at 19:10:51
Do you know of any Drs. in Southwest Florida?   The Cleveland Clinic is about 45 minutes from me.  I may go there, I just do not know who to choose as my Dr.  It is a tough decision.  What factors should I weigh in my decision? I know that I do have MVP and I take antibiotics before dental appointments.  I have not been to the Dr.  for a very long time, so it would be best if I were to go see one?  Thanks for the advice.










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