Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on July 01, 1998 at 09:21:23:

In Reply to: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by Amanda on June 29, 1998 at 16:35:30:






I was told that I have MVP while attending school at the University.  
I was never told to have an echogardiogram and have never done anything
about this condition.  I understand that this is common and rarely cause
for concern.  However,  I have trouble breathing several times a week and
the palpatations are annoying.  Is this something I just have to live with
or should I have some more tests done?
Also, what kinds of things do I need to be aware of as far as taking care
of myself so that I don't have to have that valve replaced?  I know that I
should take antibiotics before going to the dentist but for which procedures,
invasive doesn't tell me much, should I take them for a root canal, fillings
etc.
Thanks.


____


Dear Amanda,
Any dental procedure performed at the dentists office to include cleaning of the
teeth will require that you prophylax with antibiotics.  Other procedures that invade
the integrity of the GI tract(from mouth to anus, essentially the path of any food) could put
you at risk for endocarditis and hence would require antibiotic prophylaxis.  Most of these
tests (colonoscopy, egd, etc.) are not tests usually performed in a young person.  Now back to you
specifically.  I am assuming that you have a leaking valve(mitral valve prolapse with mitral regurgitation)
since only those with regurgitation are required to take antibiotic prophylaxis.  Regardless your symptoms
of shortness of breath as well as your history of MVP are concerning and warrant you having an echocardiogram in
the near future.  If there is regurgitation with MVP there probably should be follow-up echocardiograms
every one to two years and sooner if symptoms develop (as they have in you).  MVP is actually quite common, however not all
patients' valve leak and this is where the potential need for future surgery comes about. Why some patients with MVP do not
get or feel palpitations, have worsening valve function and require surgical repair later in life, or never have problems at all is
not completely understood.  What we do know however is what I have already stated above and that is for all MVP patients with leaky valves to
be followed on a regular basis and sooner if they develop symptoms.  One more note is that even people without MVP get palpitations
and if a holter monitor is performed, one can usually deliniate what abnormalities are causing the palpitations.  Good Luck.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your
physician(s).