myxamateous mitral valve degeneration

Posted By Carol on June 18, 1998 at 21:02:52:







Recently I have been told that I do not have mitral valve prolapse, but instead have a thickened mitral valve with slight regurgitation.  The significance of this diagnosis is that less than 2 year ago, my sister died in her sleep of what was determined to myxamateous mitral valve degeneration.  I also have an aunt, who recently underwent mitral valve replacement surgery.  She was also told that her valves were thickened.
What is the genetic significance?  i.e. do we as a family panic and have every sibling and child tested for mitral valve problems?
What should be our course of action in follow up?