Mitral Valve Prolapse

Before one can understand MVP, one needs to look first at the basic structure and function of the heart. The heart is a powerful, hardworking organ weighing well under one pound and is about the size of your fist. The heart is a hollow, muscular organ comprised of four chambers, four valves, great vessels, and a conduction system. The heart is divided into the "right heart" and "left heart" by a thick muscular wall called the septum. Each of these sides is divided into an upper chamber or "collecting" chamber called the atrium, and a lower chamber or "pumping" chamber called the ventricle. Between the upper and lower chamber, or atrium and ventricle, on each side of the heart lie the valves that separate the atrium from the ventricle. These are called the atrioventricular (AV) valves. The right AV valve is the tricuspid valve, the left AV valve is the mitral valve. The other two valves of the heart are the pulmonic valve on the right and the aortic valve on the left. The valves help direct the flow of blood through the heart, normally allowing flow in only one direction.

The right heart and left heart work together simultaneously. While the right heart is receiving oxygen-poor blood from the body and delivering it to the lungs to be "recycled" i.e. exchanging carbon dioxide (a waste product) for a fresh supply of oxygen, the left heart is receiving oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and is pumping it out to the body.

Mitral Valve Prolapse is a condition in which there is a variation in the shape or structure of the mitral valve, causing one or both of the valve leaflets to "billow" or bulge backward into the left atrium during the contraction of the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts and pumps blood to the body, the mitral valve should remain firm and shut. Instead, the mitral valve leaflet (s) billow backward causing PROLAPSE.

Often, when the mitral valve leaflet prolapses, it may produce a "click" (thought to be caused by the snapping back of the billowed valve). The prolapse may also allow for a small backward leak of blood; this may produce a soft murmur. The "click-murmur", if present, can sometimes be heard with a stethoscope. Over the years MVP has also been called the Soldiers Heart, the Click-Murmur Syndrome, the Floppy Valve Syndrome, and Barlow’s Syndrome, after the name of its discoverer.

MVP is usually diagnosed in one of two ways. 1) By physical exam and auscultation when listening to the heart with a stethoscope and hearing the classic Click or Click-Murmur or 2) By the Echocardiogram with Doppler.

An echocardiogram (echo) is a sonogram or ultrasound image of the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure performed by a specially trained technologist and then interpreted by a cardiologist.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

• Mitral valve prolapse is a common cardiac condition and is thought to affect two – four percent of the general population.

 

• Both males and females are affected. MVP is hereditary.

 

• The majority of people with MVP will never have symptoms.

 

• The heart functions normally, pumping and receiving blood to and from the body.

 

• Prolapsed valves do not tend to degenerate.

 

• Approximately 40 – 60% of symptomatic patients with MVP suffer from panic attacks.

 

• You are not "crazy" or "neurotic". Your symptoms are REAL!

 

• With proper education, life-style modification, and treatment, symptoms can be alleviated or eliminated!

 

It is estimated that two to four percent of men and women of all ages have a prolapsed mitral valve. Many of these people are symptom free and completely unaware of this condition.

However, it is not unusual to experience a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms tend to occur more frequently when emotional or physical stressors are present.

Symptoms most commonly experienced by people with MVP include:

• Irregular heart beat. Otherwise known as "palpitations."

 

• Tachycardia. The speeding up or "racing" of the heart often associated with a pounding feeling in the chest.

 

• Chest Pain. A frightening symptom because of its association with "heart attacks". This atypical chest pain may be sharp or dull, lasting moments to hours.

 

• Fatigue. Many people with MVP tend to be out of shape or "deconditioned" and tend to tire easily. Minimal exertion or exercise can cause exhaustion.

 

• Panic Attacks. Also very frightening because of the sudden panic and anxiety state occurring with little or no provocation. A person may experience a sense of impending doom. These attacks can be mild, or severe and disabling.

 

• Insomnia

 

• Dizziness and light-headedness

 

• Headaches and Migraines

 

• Irritable bowel

 

• Tingling in arms and legs

 

• Chronically cold hands and feet

 

• Dysphagia or "lump in the throat" feeling

There is no cure for MVP. However, there are some important life-style changes that can reduce many of your symptoms.

We recommend a heart healthy diet not only for MVP patients, but for everyone as well.

• Limit fat, especially saturated fat, as it is the precursor of heart disease and weight gain.

 

• Increase the fiber, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates in your diet. These foods are not only healthy but help sustain more energy.

 

• ELIMINATE caffeine and sugar. Both caffeine and sugar are stimulants to the central nervous system that can cause the symptoms of dysautonomia i.e. nervousness and palpitations to be more pronounced. They also contribute to increased fatigue. Avoid: coffee, teas, colas, sweets, chocolate, tobacco, and over-the-counter cold remedies.

 

• Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of fluid per day. It is important to maintain adequate hydration. Dehydration, even when mild, can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and fatigue.

 

• Don’t cut back on salt.

 

• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can be dehydrating as well as irritating to the nervous system.

 

Many patients with MVP are afraid to exercise because of their heart condition. Exercise is not contraindicated with MVP. In fact, it is strongly encouraged! You should never underestimate the importance of exercise; the benefits are many. Exercise:

• Increases cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular fitness

 

• Controls weight

 

• Controls blood pressure

 

• Reduces stress and anxiety

 

• Promotes a sense of well being

 

• Maintains and increases flexibility of joints

 

• Maintains and increases bone density, and muscle mass

 

• Promotes sleep at night

 

• Alleviates fatigue

 

Fatigue is probably the most common symptom cited by most patients. Regular exercise can alleviate fatigue by breaking the cycle of inactivity. We encourage any kind of exercise you enjoy. It is best to start slow, gradually building your endurance. Be persistent. DON’T GIVE UP! You might not feel the benefits immediately, but eventually exercise can become an integral part of your life. If you experience chest pain during exercise that is not normal for you, you should stop and notify your physician.

After your consultation and exam, your doctor may feel medication is required to control some of your symptoms. Medications are prescribed by your doctor and should be taken as directed.

For MVP patients that have a known heart murmur, if your doctor has determined that antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary prior to some surgical or dental procedures, our practice can provide you with an American Heart Association protocol card that may be carried with you in your wallet. The antibiotics prevent bacteria that may be present in the blood stream from seeding itself onto the prolapsed valve leaflet causing bacterial endocarditis, which is extremely rare.

It is recommended that MVP patients avoid stimulants that may alter the effects of the heart. Over-the-counter stimulants such as: ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, epinephrine, and caffeine are used many times as decongestants, weight-control pills, asthma medications, "keep awake" stimulants, and pain relievers. These types of drugs should be avoided unless specifically prescribed to you by your physician.

Many MVP patients state they experience anxiety, panic attacks, or depression. Your doctor may recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor for proper professional management of these psychological symptoms. People sometimes feel reluctant to seek help from these professionals because of the social stigmas and preconceived notions associated with psychological intervention. Often, biofeedback or medication to correct an imbalance in the nervous system is enough to improve many of these associated symptoms. Remember, your symptoms are not "all in your head" and can be treated!

Newsletters, support groups, and books can offer you the latest information on Mitral Valve Prolapse, specific treatment approaches, nutrition, exercise, support groups, panic attacks, medications, and other health related topics.

1.  
   1.  
      • Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

       

   2. Mitral Valve Prolapse Newsletter Information:

    

   Recommended Newsletters:

    

   The Mitral Valve Prolapse Center of Alabama

   Montclair Baptist Medical Center

   880 Montclair Road, Suite # 280

   Birmingham, AL 35213

    

   Society for MVP Syndrome and Dysautonomia

   "And The Beat Goes On!"

   MVP Support Group

   P. O. Box 431

   Itasca, IL 60143-0431

    

   The MVP Program of Cincinnati

   The Cardiology Center of Cincinnati

   10525 Montgomery Road

   Cincinnati, OH 45242

    

   3. Support Groups:

    

    

   Area support groups can offer both information and personal insight into MVP and the MVP Syndrome. Check with your local hospital or newspaper for more information.

    

   Resources: Reading Material

    

   • Taking Control – Living with Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

    

Author: Lyn Fredericksen MSN

Publisher: Warner Books. 1988

 

1^st edition ‘ 94

2^nd edition ‘96

Author: Kristine A. Bludau-Scordo, Ph.D., RN

Publisher: Camden House

 

Websites

 

http://www.mvpsupport.com

http://www.mvprolapse.com

http://www.mitralvalveprolapse.com

http://www.americanheart.org

 

Please note, we do not take responsibility or ownership for any information that is posted on another organization’s website.

 

Conclusion

 

We hope we have enlightened you with some facts about Mitral Valve Prolapse that you can share with your family and friends. We hope we have lessened your fears and anxiety, and enhanced your knowledge regarding MVP. Please utilize this material to your advantage. We are here to assist, guide, and support you as you make these various changes. Remember, BE PATIENT! It may take a while for you to adjust to new things such as diet, exercise, or medication. We are always here to address your questions and concerns.