Just what is a redundant mitral valve?

[Lillabet]

Dear Doctor, I was dx as having a redundant mitral valve. Does this mean it has symptoms like the more notorized mitral valve disorder?  I experience breathlessness, palpatations, stopping of beat, and propably, unrelated, chest pain to jaw which I have been told is a arterial spasm!  What gives? Should I seek out a cardiologist or just wait for more aggressive symptoms? Could you tell me a little about a redundant mitral valve leaflet with efussion? as well as inherited hypercholestemia? Am I in danger of a impending heart attack or stroke? I am 55, good shape for my age but my chl(ldl) is elevated as a total of slightly over 300 of and on for 12 years! I do have other medical dx to date which do not relate to the heart!  Thanks!  Lillabet

[Akinian]

A related discussion, redundant valve leaflets in mitral valve prolapse  was started.

[milz08]

A related discussion, heart related issue was started.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Lillabet,

Thank you for your question.  REdudnant mitral valve is another way of saying mitral valve prolapse.  Your cholesterol is very high and you probably should be on medication.  I would recommedn seeking a cardiology consult for evaluation of your chest pain and treatment of your cholesterol.  Here is some more information on MVP.


Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition of the mitral valve where the leaflets of the valve cross back into the atrium (upper chamber) of the heart during the pumping phase of the heartbeat.  It is a congenital (something one is born with) condition that may progress with age and not be detected until later in life.  Certain diet drugs (i.e. redux) may be associated with MVP.  MVP  is more common in women and has been associated (but not demonstrated to cause) with a number of symptoms such as palpitations, panic attacks and other complaints.   There may be some back-flow of blood into the atrium due to the prolapse and this is called mitral regurgitation.  

MVP is generally a benign process and does not usually require any special treatment or cause for concern.  If there is mitral regurgitation associated with MVP antibiotics are recommended before dental procedures and certain other medical procedures to reduce the risk of an infection starting on the valve (endocarditis).  Severe regurgitation due to MVP may require surgery to repair the valve.

Supraventricular tachycardias are fast heart beats originating from the upper chambers of the heart.  They may be associated with MVP and are often treated with beta-blockers.  Potential side-effects of beta-blockers are fatigue, depression and impotence in men.  If you notice any of these symptoms you should notify your doctor.  Here are some additional websites with information on MVP.

http://www.stayhealthy.com/hrdfiles/hrd00277.html
http://www.beWELL.com/healthy/woman/1997/mvp/
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/6911/
http://www.rxmed.com/illnesses/mitral_valve_prolapse.html