Mitral-valve prolapse

[aefisher9009]

Hi! I am a 20 year old female with mitral-valve prolapse.  I have recently began dieting and weight training to build muscle.  I am not at all over weight, but do suffer chest pains because of my condition.  My doctor has told me that I could possibly grow out of this condition.  I have considered throwing cardio into my exercise routine, but am not sure if it is a good idea.  I have a heard time walking up steps with groceries and don't typically run because it causes chest pains.  However my logic is if I start slow and work up to tougher cardio I could one day be able to do these things with little or no pain.  Any suggestions?

[AMASue]

But get an echocardiogram as well, not just an EKG.  An echo is an ultrasound - like when you're pregnant, only it's done on your chest so they can see what's going on with your heart - like blood flow, heart function and size, etc. They may even do a treadmill with it to see how your heart functions while exercising.  Good luck, ae, and please let us know how you're doing.

[remar]

I agree with the above poster. Get another EKG. My daughter also has MVP, a mild case, and when she gets upset, drinks caffeine or pushes herself too hard she gets the chest pains. I would cut back on the exercise until you have this test done.   Remar

[aefisher9009]

Yes, I have had an EKG done, however it was about 11 years ago when I was first diagnosed.  I haven't had an updated one.  Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

[AMASue]

Hi,
I was diagnosed with MVP after the birth of my 3rd baby 26 years ago, and I also have PVCs (pre-ventricular contractions). I get short of breath exercising, climbing stairs, etc. too.  If you're having chest pain with exertion, though, you might want to have an echocardiogram if you haven't had one yet.  It will show how severe your MVP is and if the blood flow to and from your heart is good, as well as how your heart is functioning/pumping.   Have you had a workup by a cardiologist?