MVP and high resting heart rate

[Nicolina87]

Hello, I am a 21 yr old female. My cardiologist recently diagnosed me with a mild case of mitral valve prolapse, after I had two trips to the emergency room from a persistently high heart rate. I am just wondering if this high resting heart rate could be connected to the MVP, bc it came on all of a sudden. My usual heart rate used to be 80, but now is about 105 the last time I checked. I stopped checking so often bc I was scaring myself. I have had two EKG's which came back normal except for "sinus tachycardia". The echo showed the mitral valve prolapse. In about a week I will be wearing a 48 hour holter monitor. I'm just concerned about this high resting heart rate b/c I am supposed to be going on vacation for new years. Could these two be connected and should I be concerned?

[Nicolina87]

My GP prescribed Inderal LA 60 mg, which I took for two days and then stopped b/c I felt very lethargic. The cardiologist wants to wait until after the holter test to give me anything b/c he doesn't want to suppress the "events" as he calls them. Obviously I can't wait to suppress the events! So at least I know if anything gets really bad I have the Inderal temporarily. Thanks :)

[Nicolina87]

Happy New Year to you as well. Thanks for the reassurance.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

People with mitral valve prolapse may have imbalances in their autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate. When there is an imbalance tacycardia will most likely be a result. A high resting HR could also be the result of being anxious over your recent diagnosis. There are many people who have been diagnosed with MVP and lead completely normal lives.

This isn't considered life threatening. I don't believe that you should alter your vacation plans inlight of this issue. You mention that you'll be wearing a holter next week, this will help your Dr to determine what, if any, electrical problems you may be experiencing.

Did your cardiologist prescribe any type of rate control medication?

I hope that you are able to enjoy your upcoming vacation, stress and worry free:)

[Jerry_NJ]

MVP, especially "mild" should not be problematic.  A serious leaky MV can be serious and cause atrial problems....not to scare you, I just mention for reference.

I doubt there is any connection to the mild MVP and high resting HR, but I do consider 105 as too high and believe it should be treated, guess that's the path you are on.

Don't worry about wearing you heart out with the "extra" beats, the heart is very strong and the muscles may even gain strength from the "extra" work.  

As I frequently to, I recommend if you are not on any medications or have a stomach that reacts badly to aspirin, that you take an aspirin with food every day until.  Let you doctor know this on your next visit.

The "standard" medication for a high HR is a Beta Blocker, but it is best to check everything, as it seems you are doing.

My recommendation:  don't worry, you are all right and you're getting the medical help needed to put the HR back to normal.

Enjoy a Happy New Year