Re: MVP with regurgitation

Posted By Casey on December 03, 1998 at 10:06:25:

In Reply to: MVP with regurgitation posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on November 30, 1998 at 08:52:13:






: I am a 68 year old male and have been diagnosed with MVP with regurgitation. Two questions. Does this condition ever improve by itself or with treatment? And, is Lopressor a reasonable medicine for this condition? If so, what does it do?
William -
My mother had MVP regurgitation for many years, and lived a normal life except for slight shortness of breath and many pills to take. After many years it did progressivley get worse and had to be replaced. If you opt for replacement - be sure and ask your doctors about all the risks, including infections. Artificial valves can easily become infected and certain precautions need to be taken.
Good luck!
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Dear William,
Thank you for your comments.  One note is that only a small percentage of people with MVP will ever need surgery.
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.