Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 14, 1998 at 09:42:12:

In Reply to: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by John on August 13, 1998 at 22:00:07:






My son is 24 years old and recently felt pressure in his chest with some
pain in his neck and arm. This resulted in his going to the emergency
room (twice) which ended with a recommendation for a follow up with an
internist and a Echo Doplar Cardiogram(?)test. According to the physician
the test showed Mitral Valve Prolapse(minor. The recommendation was not
to worry about it, since its fairly common, and just monitor yourself. He
was told to come back if symptoms reoccur. Also told to take antibiotics
before dental work.
He is Physically fit and exercises regularly. However, he often feels
stressed(job)and can get quite anxious over physical symptoms. My
questions are; how common is this condition? Should he follow up with
a specialist or just wait to see if symptoms come back? Is the condition
apt to get worse as he gets older? Should he reduce his exercise activity?
Might the stress and anxiety be the cause for the symptoms?
Thank You very much for any information provided.  
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Dear John
Mitral valve prolapse is a common, usually benign condition. In my opinion, it is also overdiagnosed, especially at smaller hospitals.
In a small percentage of people, the condition can cause the valve to leak and if the amount of leak is significant, surgery is required. Therefore, anyone that truly does have mitral valve prolapse should be followed periodically by a cardiologist to make sure that the valve is not getting worse.
Based on what you have written, I do not see why he shouldn't keep exercising. I cannot say what caused his symptoms. Prolapse is associated with chest pains and palpitations in some people, but most of the time prolapse does not cause symptoms.
I hope this is useful. Good luck. Feel free to write back with further questions.
If you wish to be evaluated here at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at desk F15. Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only. Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your doctor.