Shortness of breath after climbing stairs

[Neil22]

I have MVP, and almost every time I walk up the stairs at home I'll get shortnes of breath with a racing heart. Sometimes I'm slightly light headed too. If you also have MVP, do you feel the same way climbing stairs?

[va_tony]

I don't believe shortness of breath is a symptom of MVP (which is a fairly common and benign condition). I have MVR and no problem with SOB.  You are probably just out of shape and need to exercise more... but first get checked out by a cardiologist and make sure it's OK for you to start a regular exercise program.

[Neil22]

Out of shape? I'm 36 years old, scored a 236 out of 300 points on my (APFT)Army Physical Fitness Test a few months ago, ridden over 2500 miles (came in first against 60 other riders who where on less than 20lb road bikes) in just over 5 months on my (32lb) mountain bike.

I'm guessing my shortness of breath may be related to my asthma.

[KLB32]

Neil,

I have asthma too and although I don't have MVP, I suspect that I have dysautonomia.  MVP and dysautonomia go hand in hand.
I can feel great one day and feel like complete **** for no apparent reason the next.  MVP/Dysautonomia can cause a whole host of strange symptoms including shortness of breath.

I'm 32 and was in good shape until my symptoms got worse this year.  I had to cut way back on exercising.  It's like a vicious cycle....I don't tolerate exercise well so I got out of shape and I feel worse because I can't exercise.  I also get out of breath really easily.

There is alot of info out there on the subject.  I bought a book on Amazon titled, "The Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome/Dysautonomia Survival Guide."  It really is a great resource and I encourage you to check it out.  I have since learned that MVP is just one of many markers for dysautonomia.  So you don't need to have one to have the other.  

[fanta]

Getting short of breath with any kind of activity can be very frustrating.  I have been told that I need to strenghen my heart by walking or riding a stationary bike.  Yet I feel like I will never be completely SOB free since it goes hand in hand with any heart condition. good luck

[Neil22]

Thanks for the info.

[Neil22]

Yeah, it sometimes is frustrating. I'm an active person, and sometimes my SOB limits how hard I can push myself.