Treatment for MVP Regurgitation w. hypotension

[Linda]

I have known for many years of my MVP.  Recently I was hospitalized for several intestinal spasams.  During hospitalization/testing it was determined that the MVP now has a 3+/4+ regurgitation; my blood pressure has dropped to 87/47 Pulse 50. Usually my BP is 100/56 Pulse in the 60s.  I do have a history of tiredness, but now I can hardly function.

I was put on Hazaar but my BP dropped to 87/47 during activity.  I still have absolutely no energy; dizziness/lightheaded, etc. I was told by the physican's PA to stop taking the Hazaar & come in the following week (I had already to her I would be out of town that week).  When I returned I called my Dr but he was out of town on a family emergency.  I went in to see his PA.  Basically she said they had done all they could for me; it must be one of my other meds causing the low BP. (Vioxx, zoloft, a hormone patch, & occasional semprex-d/or allegra).  At her suggestion I discontinued meds.  BP remained low.  Called her back she denied telling me to discontinue meds but nothing could be done just keep my dr appt in Nov & discontinue the Hazaar.

Currently I have strong flutters/pounding heart, ringing in my ear, pain just below my left breast. I've elevated my head with pillows for sleeping which helps somewhat.  I've taken my BP when I feel a weakness. It us usually around 88/56 Pulse 50.  The other day I was shopping all of my toes cramped up for 40 mins (not the shoes, they were loose/comfortable).  A miserable experience.

I have lost all confidence in my dr and his staff.  I do have an appointment with a heart surgeon in 8 wks (for a second opinion). I would like to get this undercontrol to avoid a valve replacement or heart attack for as long as possible.  Any suggestions out there?

Thanks
L

[James E.]

Your situation sounds very familiar.  The doctor's idea
of surgery is the best route - I just completed mitral valve
repair.
     Try to find a doctor who can perform an operation called
'minimally invasive video assisted mitral valve repair'.  I
was fortunate that one of the best practices here in Greenville,
NC.  Dr W. Randolph Chitwood is one of the pioneers in the field
and has the nation's best equipment.  He has taught all over the
world and chances are that a doctor in your area can perform this procedure.
    The benefit is that the chest is not opened!  A three inch
incision is made in the right chest and a "robot" probe is sent
into the chest.  The robot performs the entire repair under
control of the surgeon who is watching through a video monitor
carried by the probe.
    My surgery went well, and the recovery time is shorter than
the open chest method.
    For more info, contact me at ***@****

[Linda]

Thank you for such a quick response.  It does give me stress relief not to worry about every twitch.

Any ideas on what may be causing the low BP?  While I'm sitting it will drop from 98/58 to 87/56.  I can tell when it happens.  What can I do to stabilize it?

Someone said to drink coke/coffee that would stimulate my system to a normal level.

Thanks again
L

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I do not think that all the different symptoms you list are related to the valve, though some of them (such as fatigue)may be related. If the valve is indeed causing such symptoms and the regurgitation has progressed to the point of being severe, surgery would be the correct thing to do. Medications are not particularly useful for severe regurgitation, and with your blood pressure being low to start with, there is not really any room to use medications. I don't think that the regurgitation is causing your low blood pressure, however. The surgical opinion seems like a good idea.