Re: Severe Mitral Regurgitation and Strenuous Activity

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 13, 1999 at 08:33:59
Topic Area: Mitral Valve
I have MVP w/ severe, eccentric mitral regurgitation, moderate enlargement of my left atrium and some dilation of my left ventricle.  I get PACs and PVCs as well.  Fairly recent ECGs and a TEE from 2 yrs ago show no evidence of ruptured chords.  I'm going to be evaluated soon for mitral valve repair/replacement but in the meantime want to know how safe it is for me to scuba dive.  I'm a 37 yr old female and I was diagnosed with severe regurg 10 years ago; in that time period I've remained physically active-- running, cycling, swimming, skiing, etc.  I'm currently able to run 5 miles, and swim more than a mile at a pretty good clip, without too much difficulty.  I also lift weights, but go more for lots of reps than big weights.  But I recently started scuba diving in sometimes strenuous conditions-- cold water, deeper dives (to 90'), sometimes from shore after a fairly long swim. Is there anything I need to be concerned about?
Thank you in advance.





Dear Lauren
I would recommend waiting until the valve is fixed before scuba diving. The combination of stresses that diving, especially in cold water, places on your valve are quite serious and would best be avoided.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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.

[Lauren-OConor]

Posted By Lauren O'Connor on April 19, 1999 at 19:21:17
Thanks for your prompt response.  I'm fairly certain that I will have to undergo repair or replacement of my mitral valve in the near future (especially since I want to get back to scuba diving sooner, rather than later).  
Q1. I live in San Diego, have fairly limited financial means, and was wondering if you could provide recommendations for surgeons in the Southern California region who are experienced in minimally invasive surgical techniques.  I'm currently being followed by a cardiologist at the VA hospital in San Diego.
Q2. If repair were not possible (and I understand that this decision can only be made once I'm on the operating table), would it be wise for me to opt for a
bioprosthetic valve (from a pig) rather than a man-made valve because I don't want to rule out the chance of still having a child and understand that Coumadin therapy poses a problem for pregnancy and childbirth?  I know the natural valves only last 8-10 years, but I'm also intent on staying physically active in sports like diving, mountain biking, etc. and don't want to be on Coumadin.
Again, thanks in advance.
Lauren











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