WPW, Mitral Valve Prolapse in Women

Posted By Beth M.S. on January 02, 1999 at 14:35:11:







I have Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome and mitral valve prolapse.  Both get more
symptomatic the 10-14 days before my period starts.  My cardiologist is
sending me to a cardiologist that specializes in wpw for an ablation evaluation.
I am quite nervous about having an ablation done for the wpw - is it safe?
I have two small children at home (a four year old and a six month old) and
want to be around for them for many years to come.  Does WPW and/or mitral
valve prolapse increase the risk of a heart attack?  Are there any clinics
that specialize in evaluating women with heart problems?  I am going to the
Thoracic Cardiovascular Institute  doctors and really like them but wanted
a second opinion before agreeing to ablation.  I am 38 years old and was
told I had a higher chance of having a heart attack at age 40 due to the
mitral valve and wpw.  
Another question -- I was diagnosed with these two conditions in my early
20's after a severe bout with anorexia and abuse of laxatives.  Could that
have caused either the mitral valve or wpw?  Thanks.  Sorry this is so wordy.