Syncope, Hypertension and Mitral Valve Prolapse

[marciamcrn]

I am a 41 y/o wf,normal weight. Last week I had 3 episodes of near fainting and lost conscious on one occasion. All were when arising from a seated or bending position. My BP has varied from 158/100 to 98/61. The latter measurement was upon standing. The avg reading is 147/95.
I was diagnosed w/ MVP as a teen,but have been asymptomatic - could there be any connection now?
I know I need to visit the doc, but am wondering what to expect from a visit. I am new in town, and haven't developed a relationship with a physician yet.

[kenkeith]

I have discussed with other individuals syncope (fainting upon standing from a sitting position, etc.  The condition is Neurally Mediated Syncope (NMS) and the condition that can occur in a wide range of people, many of whom do not have any other associated cardiovascular problems.

To understand this phenomenon, is to examine how the nervous system of the body functions. During our daily activities, our heart rate  and blood pressure  constantly rise and fall to meet the needs of the body. The HR and BP are lower at rest, while the HR picks up and BP is elevated during emotional stress and exercise. The control of the HR and BP are with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The former increases the HR and BP while the latter reduces them.
Marciamcm,

Normally, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system work together in a very efficient and cooperative manner. From time to time, this system breaks down in people with NMS.  The HR and BP (either singly or together) drop suddenly and severely. This reduces blood supply to the brain and the patient passes out. Worst case scenario.

The Tilt Test, its wide success in establishing the diagnosis of NMS, and effective treatment for NMS has resulted in the well deserved popularity of the test. The individual is strapped to a tilt table and the individual's system is monitored with an EKG, etc. as the table is tilted in various angles.

There is no evidence that a lack of valve integrity would cause syncope.  If the valve restricts blood flow to a very serious degree (highly unlikely and there would be other symptoms as well), that could cause passing out...te system reacts as if there is a serious loss of blood and blood pressure drops.

[Donna552]

Loss of consciousness is to be taken seriously.  Do you have any Urgent Care Clinics in your area?  

That's also quite a difference in your blood pressure readings, which may be indicative of one of several possible problems, all which can be controlled.