Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse

Posted By CCF Cardio MD - MTR on February 19, 1998 at 22:54:21:

In Reply to: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by Laurette on February 17, 1998 at 21:40:12:







: I am a 32 year old female who was diagnosed with MVP five years ago.  
From time to time I have periods of breathlessness (a feeling that I am
short of breath even when I am not exerting myself, and it's very difficult
to take a deep breath) which can last for weeks.  I also get spells of
lightheadedness that can last for weeks as well, but then will go away for
months.  Are these symptoms related to MVP?  And if so, why do they come
and go?  Does the severity of symptoms fluctuate?  Also, I work out on a
regular basis and recently saw on a television program on that did an
excerpt on MVP that one should not lift heavy weights with the condition.
Is this true?  If so, what type of exercise should I do?  I appreciate your
help.



  ___
Laurette, thank you for your question.  The symptoms associated with
mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are diverse and variable and often times, may
not be related to the heart itself.  Most patients with MVP are
asymptomatic.  Symptoms like fatigue, lightheadedness, and palpitations
have all been ascribed to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system
which regulates the blood pressure and nervous system responses to stress.
However, there is no conclusive proof that this is the cause.  Also, the
fluctuation of symptoms and what symptoms mean for your long term prognosis
are unclear. Rhythym disturbances of the atria (upper chambers of the
heart) can cause intermittent palpitations and lightheadedness but would
have to be proved by you wearing a portable heart monitor.  I suggest you
discuss these issues with a cardiologist first hand and ask about
exercise restrictions.  I could find no information that weight lifting
should be avoided.  I found a few references on this subject that you
can get at any medical library with a librarian's help.
- Current Opinions in Cardiology, vol. 10, March 1995, pages 107-116.
- Journal of American Medical Women's Association, vol. 49, pages 192-197,
   Nov-Dec 1994
- Texas Institute Heart Journal, vol. 21, 1994, pages 267-271.
I hope this helps.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.
Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.