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Very few conditions have caused as much controversy and frustration over the years as mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Most people have no doubt heard about reports of devastating complications that may be associated with Mitral Valve Prolapse, such as dangerous heart rhythms, heart infections, need for emergency heart surgery, and even dying suddenly. Many patients who have been told they have Mitral Valve Prolapse are literally convinced they are going to die on a daily basis, whereas in fact most patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse don’t even know they have it! On the other hand, if anyone with Mitral Valve Prolapse asks their physician what the significance of their Mitral Valve Prolapse is, they will inevitably be greeted with the response, “It’s normal, you shouldn’t think twice about it; in fact your symptoms have nothing to do with it, so forget you have it!” These contradictions and inconsistencies have led to a great deal of confusion for patients and physicians alike over the years. This confusion has been highlighted in a number of articles published in leading medical journals over the years. So can Mitral Valve Prolapse cause death?
Why the Controversy and Confusion?
There are many reasons for this confusion; I’ll try to explain some of them. There was a time when the imaging techniques for the heart were not refined and literally everyone getting an echocardiogram was labeled with Mitral Valve Prolapse. The problem was made worse by the fact that those people referred for the echocardiograms were of course those with symptoms (for all we know if we had done echocardiograms on people without symptoms they would have been just as likely to been told they had Mitral Valve Prolapse!). This unfortunately led to a great deal of over-diagnosis of MVP, and had the unfortunate consequence of multiple symptoms and findings being attributed to Mitral Valve Prolapse. By the time we had developed important concepts and come up with the correct criteria for Mitral Valve Prolapse it was too late as we had decades of research that had associated the incorrect old version of Mitral Valve Prolapse with a large spectrum of incorrect symptoms and findings.
When the new diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse was applied to patients with many of the same symptoms and findings as associated with the old Mitral Valve Prolapse, it was in fact realized that most of the patients did not in fact have MVP, and therefore a lot of physicians became dismissive of Mitral Valve Prolapse altogether. Unfortunately many patients had been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse in the past, and due to what they had been told could not accept that Mitral Valve Prolapse was unlikely to be related to the majority of their symptoms. Later many realized they in fact had a condition known as dysautonomia. So we are still wondering, can Mitral Valve Prolapse cause death?
So What’s the Deal – Dangerous or Not Dangerous?
Since we developed the correct criteria for diagnosis of MVP, there has been much research conducted to determine true associated complications of the disease. Mitral Valve Prolapse it turns out has different forms and shapes. First and foremost is the true diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse, whereby there is clear prolapse of the valve in to the top chamber of the heart in keeping with guidelines. If that is not present, there is no Mitral Valve Prolapse.
Of the people with mitral valve prolapse there are those with simple prolapse and there are those with thickened and severely prolapsing valves. Whereas those with simple prolapse, which is the overwhelming majority of Mitral Valve Prolapse patients, likely have no greater risk then the general population and can probably be considered a variant of normal to some degree.
Then there are those with more complex prolapse and thickened redundant valves. These patients do have some associated risks that include the need to have to undergo surgery to correct a severely leaky valve and also arrhythmias. The key is to identify those people at high risk for complications, try to prevent those complications, and in those people with a leaky valve, to follow them closely to make sure that if they ever need surgery, it is done in a timely manner.
So Can Mitral Valve Prolapse Cause Death?
The answer is short in that it is similar to the saying, you are more likely to be hit by a car while trying to cross the road, so if you have Mitral Valve Prolapse I really wouldn’t advise you spend time worrying about dropping dead because you are not really at increased risk compared to someone without Mitral Valve Prolapse! For those with complex Mitral Valve Prolapse, if you have no significant leakiness on your echocardiogram, and a normal looking EKG then all you need is to continue routine check ups with your physician from time to time to listen for the development of a murmur. If you do have significant leakiness of the valve, then still don’t worry, the key to doing just fine is close follow up to ensure the heart is functioning well and the optimal timing of surgical correction if it is ever required.
So can Mitral Valve Prolapse Cause Death? – Possibly, but it is likely not worth worrying about!
How many people dies from Mitral Valve diseases each year? And what’s the duration of the Mitral valve disease in a person?
I have recently diagnosed with mildy thickened anterior mitral leaflet and mitral valve prolapse with no symptoms but from past few days i am feeling pvcs are they dangerous i am really scared of SCD plz tell me can they lead to sudden cardiac death i am really worried
Can it make you have a shorter life if u have mvp in the teens
Not in general no.
My healthy 25yr old son went into Cardiac Arrest and Died after months of testing was told he had Mitral Valve ProLapse
Also my son had no symptoms at all
We just went through the same with my 61 yr old healthy uncle this pass week. No signs or symptoms dropped dead 1/31/17 . More research needs to be done
How is that even possible? Did he have an EKG>
I have mitral valve prolapse and I suffer from migraine,shortness of breath, panic attacks and I have also been feeling very dizzy the last few months do I need to worry?
I’ve had symptoms like that as well over the past few years..
I have recently diagnosed with mildy thickened anterior mitral leaflet and mitral valve prolapse with no symptoms but from past few days i am feeling pvcs are they dangerous i am really scared of SCD plz tell me can they lead to sudden cardiac death
Vmp has correlation with subtle death. Does exist some statistics to this? What artrial and ventriculos volum says about it?
It would have to be a very severe form of MVP or be associated with severe leakiness.
Hi, I’ve been diagnosed with leaflet MVP, moderate MR+AR My 1st cardiology appt had must been brought forward by 2 months.. I’m asymptomatic, but in 80’s+90:s has some episodes of SVT,became extremely pale, sweaty + vomited. Blood felt as if it had gone into my boots. No episodes since, but have audible murmur, had previous secondary hemorrhage +cardiac arrest on 90’s. Will I need surgery?
You will not need surgery for moderate MR and or AR. You should have yearly surveillance.
Was diagnosed by mvp in 2012 but as the years pass by the symptoms also worsen and have tried going to see my physician and all he says is am just over sensitive. The symptoms include feeling weak, tickling and uncomfortable feeling on the left side of my chest, my leg and arm. Also cold fears and back pain on the upper left side of back. What can be the problem plz help
You should get checked for scoliosis and also relax,my doctor said I have a minor mvp that’s nothing to worry about,however when very sad or very happy the heart starts panicking.So you should just be relaxed,and check for scoliosis or other diseases that might be behind this.Also a minor MVP doesnt have any symptoms,I assume you have moderate to sever leak,so you should definitely get checked.
i have been dealing with the pains in my chest since may of 2016. i was rushed to the ER and told i have a heart mur mur and a MVP. they also put me on medication. but the pain is still there. i go in monday for the echo. at what point do they require surgery. i am a bit worried since the pain/ pressure in my chest is still there as strong as before they put me on the medication. i have been feeling very fatigued and short of breath more lately than before…im not sure if im over reacting…
Dixie,patients like me who have mvp are getting panicked more often than others.You should be relax,as panicking can only worsen the situation,have your doctor perform all the neccessary diagnosis and examinations and he should tell you what to do.Also I would like to know what happened !
Many years ago I was told I had Mitral Valve Prolapse. It was never a problem. Two years ago, I had my Aortic valve replaced. i had an angiagram done on Tuesday, Wednesday morning, the following day, The cardiac surgeons office called and asked me if I could come in the following day for surgery which I did. That was in May of 2014 Two months ago I had and echocardiagram done. Then my cardilogist sent me for an angiogram. I was told that there was a lot of calcification in my Mitral Valve. He said something about I’m at an 8 and they don’t want to do surgery until it is at a 10. He also said I had fluid in both the right & left upper chambers of my heart and I was in heart failure. Why do I have to wait?
Im not familiar with the 8 or 10 numbers or what they are signifying , they are not typical terms used to grade valve disease.
Sir, I am 21 years old, recently diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse with trivial regurtation, overall heart is normal, i feel tired sometime also have dizzy spells. Also done 24 hr holtee moniter test only show 4 pac nothinng else.
Also Dr.Mustafa,after having an EKG I was diagnosed with an innocent heart murmur and mvp,my doctor said it is harmless and I just have to get checked every 2 years.Should I get worried? My father died of a heart attack at 50 years old,but he had high cholesterol too,my brother doesnt have mvp but my sister does.Please answer if you can !
Did you ever have an echocardiogram?
Yes doc, I had a cardio triplex.My doctor said I dont have to worry about anything and that it wont affect my health in any way. My question is why did the woman above said that her 25 year old son died die to mvp.Do people experience sudden death from mvp?
It was not likely related to the MVP. In terms of clinical significance MVP would be associated with severe mitral regurgitation to cause concern for sudden death.
Hi Doctor,
I just read a pubmed from Basso et. al, 2015 that MVP with bileaflet can increase risk for SCD. The research involves 650 SCD cases in Italy, in which 43 of it are MVPs cases, all with no to mild MR, all 43 is a group <40 yo (26 female, 17 male) . They also said that eventhough you are asymptomatic if you're diagnosed with MVP, and you're a young women, with bileaflet prolapse, Frequent/complex ventricular arrhythmias
(Outflow tract/Papillary Muscles/Fascicular Origin), Inverted T waves in inferior leads, and fibrosis, you're at an increased risk of SCD. This publication is not very reassuring especially with me having all kinds of MVP Symptoms, and what I would like to know how do you define "frequent complex ventricular arrhythmia?"
Complex would include certain morphology of PVC, evidence of VT, symptom related etc. There have been several publications describing that. The fact remains the hugely overwhelming majority of patients with MVP life a totally normal life without risk. In those with PVC’s, symptoms or evidence fo heart dysfunction, then further testing with monitors may be indicated to characterize the presence and type of PVC.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi Doctor,
I’ve had numerous ecgs this past year, all normal, twice stress test, the cardiologists said that my baselines were normal and no need to worry about it. Have twice echo, the last one showed little MR with LVEF 72%, one 24 hr holter monitor on oct 2018 showed that i have overall 65 ventricular beats, 2 bigeminy and 2 couplets, and i think about 40 PACs should i be concerned about the presence of couplets and bigeminy?
I have chest pain and pressure but it shows normal ecg. Also have blood tests, stating ckmb and troponin I in normal range.
Palpitations comes and go sometimes when i am in a very anxious states it’s a run of 3 extra beats, i am afraid that this is an nsvt. Should i do more testing?
I also have gerd with mvp. The palps usually when i lay down
I have mitral valve prolapse and I have been having migraines,panic attacks shortness of breath and have been feeling really dizzy the last couple of months.. do I need to worry
Sandra, my cardiologist told me people with minor mvp dont really have any symptoms, I advise you to get checked by a cardiologist and a pathologist and also do a blood test. The symptoms you describe are very common and many times are due to low or high blood pressure, stress and many more causes. No one can give you a clear answer unless you get examined.
Doctor I have mital valve prolapse with mild/trivial MR . Ejection fraction is 70% . Taking medication for high bp. Age is 23 I am working professional. I want to enjoy my life sir.Is is fine for next 30+ years. I am doing yoga and jogging on a regular basis. My resting heart rate is around 55-62 at night and 66-82 during day time.My height is 178 cm and weight is 72kg My heart recovery rate is around 35 bpm after 2 min of exercise. Please suggest so that i have a bright and healthy future.
Keep doing what you are doing!
I was recently diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse a couple of days ago, and I already have prexisting conditions, and have had open heart surgery. I had a hole in my heart, one of my arteries had to be re routed, and I have endocarmetreosus. I was just coughing up blood a couple of days ago, and had to get an echo. Also, my cardiologist told me I have a pectus, because my chest caves in at my sternum. I have chest pains weekly, and it feels like my heart is being squeezed, and also I feel lightheaded all the time. My cardiologist said there is leakage, and regurgitation in my heart.Will I die?
I think you need to talk to your cardiologist, get specific information about your case and discuss your prognosis and treatment strategies. I think you need a better understanding of what is going on.
Is anxiety likely to worsen MVP?
No, worsening of the mitral valve prolapse itself is not related to anxiety.
So what are the factors of mvp/mr progression? Thanks doctor
https://myheart.net/articles/mitral-regurgitation/
Doctor, my husband was recently diagnosed with MVP with severe mitral regurgitation and the doctor said there’s no other treatment option but for him to undergo surgery.. But my husband never had any symptoms felt, he has an active lifestyle, he do workout and play basketball almost everyday and he never felt shortness of breath, he can even swim and stay in the water for long.. For us to make sure we went to have a second opinion and he is now scheduled for another 2d echo… why is that he had severe mitral regurgitation but still felt normal and healthy?
Read the article on mitral regurgitation and feel free to let me know if you have further questions. Here is the link https://myheart.net/articles/mitral-regurgitation/.
Hi Doc!
I was diagnosed with slight anterior mitral valve prolapse 4 years ago and my cardiologist says the regurgitation is very slight/mild. He says its a “normal variant” I’ve had echocardiograms every year, and its the same. Will the regurgitation progress? Does it usually get worse?
With slight prolapse only and mild regurgitation there is a good chance it can stay mild. You should have at least a yearly physical exam where someone should listen for a murmur.
I was diagnosed in 1978 while pregnant with my first child. Had echo and stress test, I don’t know the severity of the regurgitation, but have hammering heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, not as often as I used to.
I was on Tenormin for a few years which helped, but made me depressed.
I have low BP, too.
Haven’t been checked since then, should I be seen again?
Makes sense to get a simple check up.
Hi Dr., I was diagnosed with MVP IN ’86 at age 26 and was out in Inderal, later changed to Cardizem CD120. Last summer, I bit into a burger and hit a bone on the left side of my mouth and it hurt bad. My husband said we couldn’t afford for me to go in for a root canal until now and I’m worried I may already have an infection in my bloodstream. I’m allergic to erythromycin, pennicilin, compazine, phenergan and I cannot take NASIDS as my stomach bleeds.Keflex is on the list also. What would you recommend I take before this root canal and do you think I already have an infection in my bloodstream or mitral valve? Thanks, Lisa
https://myheart.net/articles/mitral-valve-prolapse-part-7-do-i-need-antibiotics-for-my-dental-procedure/
I was diagnosed with MVP in my teens, I didn’t argue with it because my Mother has it as well.
With turning 40 a couple weeks ago, I had the normal checkup, blood workups, and cholesterol screenings, and wanted to get a checkup on my heart. This week I had an echo 2D with doppler, and it came back clean! My Cardiologist sees no signs of MVP. I had always been told to avoid lifting weights or playing certain sports, in order not to put unnecessary strain on myself.
It’s amazing with new technology, with more optimal imaging, how the diagnosis can change.
Hi, i am 22 and i have mild MR & mild MVP.
When i knew the problem i started to worry a lot but i went to the psychotherapist because my symptoms were untolerable but now the symptoms are decreased after using xanax and life quality increased but not completely and i experience some hard days sometimes with chest pain and palpitations.
I wish cardiologists could solve the problem with advancement of technology in next few years.
Cardiology is a science which is in fast lane of progression!
God bless you
Doc my echocardiogram result is.elongated and thickened anterior mitral valve leaflet with mild prolapse and with mild mitral regurgitation. What that means.? Is that dangerous?
It means you have mitral valve prolapse mild in nature and a small leak. It is not of any clinical significance at the moment so not much cause for concern.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have had the same diagnosis recently, although I was diagnosed with MVP back in my early 20’s, the anterior leaflet elongation is new. Most recent echo also shows right atrium cavity dilated and I am very symptomatic for MVP at times, acebutolol works the best for me. I ended up in the hospital due to a severe syncopal episode (while I had been sitting for a while) that lasted 10 minutes. 3rd episode in last few years but still difficult to get doctors to not “dismiss” me due to being female, tall, in shape and not overweight. Family medical hx could be poster for heart issues…. So I have seen a definite progression over the years but that has been slow. What about the possibility of SAM with the anterior leaflet elongation. Could that have been what the last episode was about? It was horrible, and I ended up with severe, severe chills and nausea immediately after for a couple of days. Still trying to sort it all out.
The anterior leaflet length has not changed and is not a new finding, it would have been present prior if its there now. In terms of sam, in general that in isolation without heart wall thickening is unlikely to be symptomatic even if present. The diagnosis of syncope is broad and in this setting tilt table testing may be of use if an episode happened after sitting. With the symptoms you describe a viral illness precipitating the event is also a possibility.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hello Doctor,
I was diagnosed two years ago with myxomatous anterior leaflet but without prolapse or billowing. Also, no regurgitation whatsoever. Apart from this the heart is normal. EF 74. I heard that myxomatous mitral valve tends to progress. I am worried. Please answer me if you can. Many many thanks doctor.
It does not necessarily progress to a clinically significant entity. You should have a physical exam yearly to hear for a murmur incase one develops and also be aware of symptoms such as shortness of breath.
Read this article also https://myheart.net/articles/mitral-valve-prolapse-explained/
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi ! I do also have MVP but my body structure is that of a Marfan Syndrome. I am having serious trouble nowadays and doctors are not ready to treat me with this condition. I had mild MVP which has now become moderate with moderate regurgitation. Doctor says that Surgery is the only solution some says that surgery is not a solution as I also have severe level of anxiety disorders. The medications I have been taking are not helping me either.
Need Help!
Mitral valve prolapse with moderate regurgitation is not itself an indication for surgery. If the leak were to become clearly severe then that may present an indication for surgery. Moderate disease may stay that way for a good while so there is not cause for concern just yet. In the event that you one day may need surgery, in those that are otherwise healthy, surgical outcomes are excellent in experienced centers.
Dear,Dr mustafa , recently i was detected Prolapse of mitral valve with no MR through echo,is there an serious condition,i slightly feeling chest pain and shortness of breath,my age is 25,what should i do.
You should not worry about the valve so much at this point. It is prolapsing and not associated with a leak.
Thanks doctor,aftr six months i m feeling same thing chest pain and shortness of breath ,shall i go for test again
My mum underwent echo test and left ventricle is forward flow mitral abnormal vp 1.0/1.2
Regurgitation grade is mild
Kindly, tell me what medicine she will have to take.
Sir I was diagnosed with anterior mitral valve prolapse 4 months ago with ‘no significant regurgitation’. I often feel a little dazed out of the blue and about once a week may feel a sinking feeling in my heart for a few seconds. Sometimes ill feel a bit out of breath for a few minutes but the feeling goes away. I am 31/male. Not obese, no hypertension, no other health problems. Weigh about 130 pounds and 5’7″. I would like to know if the above symptoms can be normal for someone with a prolapse and no regurgitation. Thank you.
PS: I also have a sharp stabbing pain in the left side of my chest from time to time. I have also done a CT angiography 3 months ago which was totally clear. I also did a treadmill test 3 months ago which was normal as well.
Its unlikely related to the valve.
Hi Doc, i was recently diagnosed with mvp with mild mitral regurgitation and mild triscupid regurgitation. My 2d echo result said i had a floppy mitral valve. Whats the worst case scenario of having this. How long will this to become severe. Or is there any way to keep it mild? What are the precautions of having these? Thank you Doc
The worse case scenario is that it become a severe leak of the valve, it is currently mild and of no concern clinically. It may stay mild lifelong. I would suggest yearly check up with a physical exam where someone listens for a murmur to see if it changes in character.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi Doc, thanks. But i forgot to mention ive been having chest pain for almost 2 years and episodes of irregular heartbeat for almost a year. My doctor put me under metroprolol tartrate. And im worried about my chest pain and irregular heartbeat. And my physician told me its normal if you mvp. Is this really normal?
Hello Doctor,
My name is Golam Dostogir and I am 27 years of old.
3 days ago suddenly i felt some extra heartbeat after getting up from sleep which never happens before. So i went to a doctor and did an ECHO. On echo result it’s mentioned that I have “MVP with MR (Mild)”. And alos Arrhythmia noted during echo. what does this mean?
Is it curable?
It is only mild MR that is not concerning. I would recommend an EKG and possibly a monitor to characterize the heart rhythm.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Dear Mustafa Ahmed.
I have MVP – in its classic form
with prolapse and thickening of both valves.
Since 2010 I have had episodes og ventricular tachycardia and now I have a loop recorder and laterThus year I am having an MRI to look for scarring/fibrosis that can cause leathal arrhythmias. Is this not common knowledge anound the world yet? That this condition can be dangerous even though most people have a mild version?
People should know that the malignant version also exists…
Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse is a recognized entity although not common, MRI is the correct step in its work up to identify possible substrates for the VT.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I was diagnose with MVP 25years ago at the age of 35 , but lately I know I will have some palpation and skipbeats I also suffer from generalize anxiety disorder I am scared don’t know what to expect please advise me
Have you had any form of monitoring performed to characterize the palpitations. Have you had physical exam or echo to evaluate the valve?
Hello Dr,
I’ve been diagnosed with mild MVP with mild regurgitation. I had a stress echo as well and was maximal with stable findings, no symptoms and no major arrhythmia, only a couple of PVCs. I do however have paradoxical wall motion of the basal lateral wall? As these visits often go, I don’t think I asked the dr enough. He said don’t worry about the paradoxical wall motion and that it’s just associated with a higher frequency of ectopic beats. I do get ectopics every day. Mostly in the evening. They don’t occur much during the day. I’ve had a holter too and it is only pvcs I’m getting for now. Is the paradoxical wall motion a bad thing? I’ve got well preserved LV function and ejection fraction is 67.5%. He said I didn’t have to have interval echo for about 2 years and the consultation was reassuring. However I’m now regretting not asking enough. Can the paradoxical wall motion make my ectopics get worse and develop into a more serious arrhythmia?
Thank you
Hi John, im not sure what was signified by this other than during the pvc the wall motion was paradoxical due to the PVC which may be expected depending on where the pvc was coming from, if thats the case, and the other tests you described were normal then its not really concerning.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Ok thanks doctor. I don’t think it was only during pvc though? So does that mean that it IS concerning? The sr showed me the echo and it is just how my heart beats all the time… He showed me one part going one way and another part going the other way. It’s characterised as ‘paradoxical motion of the basal lateral wall’. I mean to be honest he said don’t worry. But I didn’t really ask any questions, that’s why I was wondering if you knew any more?
Hi I have mitral valve incompetence, there is a faint murmur and slight flail leaflet, I am worried as I keep becoming anemic due to another health condition, and have been experiencing high blood pressure, also recently I passed out momentarily while walking, could the blackout be connected to mi ?
If you have flail leaflet and have passed out I recommend you seek medical evaluation to rule out a concerning related cause.
My mother passed away on 12/27/2017. It would had been a 2nd Mitrol Value replacement. In 2005 she had open hear surgery to replace the Mitrol Valve. 2 months later she was told it was leaking. she changed her cardiologist in 2005 and this doctor only gave her 8-10 different medicine to take including coumadine. She had the cows valve. The second cardiologist knew the Mitrol was leaking and told her 12 years later one of the leaflets on the MItrol valve from the manufacturer was probably damaged. On 12/6/2017 she had the TAVR and this was only the second TAVR that Hospital had ever performed. My Mother would had made the third person with that surgery. The drugs that gave my MOM HER EYES STAYED CLOSED FOR 2 WEEKS AND SHE NEVER RECOVERED. My Mother was 80 years old never smoke or drank, she took care of her self. I felt they killed my mom with all of this high powered drugs they gave her. After the surgery on the 12/6/2017 she came home for 3 days and I had to take her back in 3 days to the emergency room she had a pain in the middle of her chest and her stomach was hurting. They also gave her a balloon pump to the heart. I am hurting and I think her second cardiologist just fed her with medicine for years and never try to see what else can be done being that he knew from day one about the leaky valve from 2005.
so when you have complex Mitral Valve Prolapse you can die
Most people with complex prolapse will do just fine, the indication for intervention being a severe leak.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
It might make sense to try to supplement magnesium if someone really has MVP or its symptoms. Won’t hurt to try. There are people who suspect, that _intracellular_magnesium deficiency might be associated with MVP, because both cause similar symptoms, you can google to find out. In fact MVP might even be related to magnesium deficiency being a result of a long time deficiency. In any case magnesium won’t hurt anybody except for the people with very seriuos kidney problems. Just in case you don’t know: (1) normal magnesium supplementation starts from 200mg of Mg _ions_ per day, (2) there is A LOT of stupid information on labels stating for instance that a pill contains 500mg of a magnesium complex (but only 50mg of Mg ions:-) so you might be easily fooled into thinking you are going big time, wheras in fact you are doing almost nothing:-) and (3) the last but not the least there are many different specimens which work different for different people so you must adjust everything to yourself.
Hi, I’m 21 years old.
Been diagnosed with thickened mitral valve prolapse with trivial mitral and tricuspid rugurgitation..
Is it that bad ?
Nothing to worry about at this time.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Thanks dr but,Aftr 6 months i m feeling same thing chest pain and shortness of breath ,shall i go for test again
Hello doctor , This is my story my wife and I were married in 1979 we had two children my first son was born May 22, 1980 my second child was born July 2, 1983 in 1984 my wife was pregnant with our third child , she was under a doctors care at all times and considered a very healthy 25-year-old pregnant woman we went on vacation upon returning from vacation sitting at the dinner table my wife drop dead in my arms ! From the chair she was sitting in into my arms in seconds she was gone fire rescue paramedics and police tried to revive her unfortunately I lost both of them my wife and the unborn baby my son. After weeks and weeks of testing from the coroner I finally received the death certificate which stated that she died from mitral valve prolapse! it was explained to me that although mitral valve prolapse is a cause of sudden death that very rarely doesn’t happen if a woman is pregnant! Both my son and my daughter had to have echocardiograms once they were 14 years old which I was told that is when the heart stops growing thankfully my children don’t have it but it still took my wife away and my little boy! These results were from the Philadelphia coroners office after a Lengthy autopsy study I hope this helps someone because it is a cause of sudden death those who have it I am told I have to take hi doses of penicillin before ever attempting to have dental work performed. Thank you so much for your time Dr. sincerely Mike
Hi Dr.
I have been diagnosed with moderate mitral valve leak 6months ago, I had an echo 6months before that and there was no sign of any leak, my question is how did it come on so quickly, my cardiologist is very casual about it and didn’t even tell me about the leak until I went for a 6months checkup and only then when I asked him if all my tests were ok, how bad is this and can it take a long time to get worse or can it stay the same. My heart is pumping normal.
Thank you.
Mary
I was diagnosed with MVP at 26. The doctor, at the time, actually told me it was dangerous and put my on heavy meds. When I went to a cardi doc. he told the med were too much and that my MVP wasn’t dangerous. But the initial doctor caused me to start have anxiety and panic attacks. I got better with bio feedback but the attacks took their toll. I am now 61 and recently, after nearly 10 years, had a very thorough EchoC. The results indicated mild MVP (same as before) but also mild right and left enlargement of the atrium, which I’m assuming is related to the MVP. Is this a progession of the MVP or is this something that goes hand and hand with it?I eat well, exercise, take vits. and take my meds. I am not overweight, nor do I have any calcification (another test done) and I have low blood pressure and good cholesterol. So, tell me, with all of this good stuff I’ve been doing over the years, why the mild enlargement and what does it mean?
Firstly the mild enlargement may have been present prior, echo cardiograms themselves are highly subjective with variability from lab to lab. Even still this in itself isn’t concerning. Causes can likely include high blood pressure, stiffness of the heart with aging, atrial arrhythmias and of course leaky valve. If the valve is not leaking then its unlikely related.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi Doctor,
I was diagnosed with mild bileaf MVP and mild mitral regurgitation about a year ago. I sometimes get palpitations too. I’ve had a 24 hr tape and a stress echo etc. A couple of palps came up on the stress echo but after all the testing was finished the doctor was happy with the performance of my heart, told me not to worry and to get a follow up echo in two years. Every now and again I type MVP on to google news to see what people are saying about it. All of a sudden, there are recently all of these articles that come
Up. I’ve posted them below. It says that’s a new study but I’ve read all of that elsewhere ages ago? Why are people posting it like it’s new? Do you know if a greater link between MVP and sudden cardiac death has been established recently? Also, in one of the articles it says bileaf MVP is associated with SCD. I have mild bileaf MVP – more on the anterior than the posterior – and mild regurgitation. Should I be worried?
https://www.cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/acute-coronary-syndrome/mitral-valve-prolapse-linked-sudden-death
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180926/Sudden-cardiac-death-linked-to-mitral-valve-prolapse-in-large-Australian-study.aspx
https://myaccount.news.com.au/sites/theaustralian/subscribe.html?sourceCode=TAWEB_MRE170_a_GGL&mode=premium&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnews%2Fhealth-science%2Fsuddendeath-link-to-heart-valve-prolapse%2Fnews-story%2Fd2de997fc0f6787a25f44a0b66da0a32&memtype=anonymous&v21suffix=bmaf-b
Firstly any bad outcomes with MVP would be remarkably rare, even in light of these studies, secondly, the form associated with such outcomes would typically be a severe form of prolapse with known arrhythmic tendency.
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I understand you trying to calm people down.
It is rare for a healthy 15 yr old girl to that showed absolutely no symptoms of having issues to die from her mild MVP, but it happened. (Our doctors assured us that all of our hearts have MVP and was very mild; nothing to worry about.)
We have the autopsy report AND videos of her just hours before. (It was the 4th of July) if you are interested in seeing them.
Rare as it is, it CAN happen, I wish I had known. I wish I could have warned my daughter to at least call for help if she felt like she was blacking out. Her twin sister shared a room with her.
Daveda,
You have my heartfelt sympathy and 100% belief. I am so sorry about your daughter and admire you have the courage to share and speak up.The same thing happened to my mother. This was ten years ago and she was 70 but it was out of the blue and she was the picture of health. She was alone when she died. Her death certificate states cardiac arrest as the cause of death, and her medical record lists her MVP diagnosis which she’d been told was not what she would die of. That her murmur was harmless. After death we were reassured that her death was “quick” and “painless.” This is pretty lame as far as solace goes. I just wanted to reach out even though I know it’s a long time since you commented. I don’t often get angry over my mom’s death, but sometimes I decide to Google MVP and cardiac arrest, and am just amazed at how little I find linking them officially, aside from anecdotes. Life is made up of our stories. I am so glad you told yours. Take care.
Lowa
I have recently diagnosed with mildy thickened anterior mitral leaflet and mitral valve prolapse with no symptoms but from past few days i am feeling pvcs are they dangerous i am really scared of SCD plz tell me can they lead to sudden cardiac death i am really worried
I was diagnosed from10 years ago with mild mitral valve prolapse with no MR I am now 26 years old and I supposed to get hair transplant soon and I am little bit afraid from local anesthesia to have any impact on my heart especially I suffer daily from palpatitions.
Dear Dr Mustafa. I have a son age 19 who was diagnosed as to quote” Redundant anterior mitral valve leaflet which slightly bends/prolapse to left atrium during systole”. He is enrolling in Philippine Merchant Marine school which do mostly military exercises. he had also undergone stress test and are all normal 100%mphr. Is my son is not fit to enter in this kind of military school? is this meant that it is life threatening for him? pls enlighten me as i am worried and need another advise aside from our cardio doctor. I need your help and it would be a great honor to hear from your reply. Thank you. – worried mom-
What was he told he couldn’t do? What are the regulations? I would need a little more information to comment. From what you have said he only has mild MVP without symptoms and this is typically not considered a health issue.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Hi doctor,
I am a 23 year old female who just had her first child two months ago. My dr sent me for an ECHO after i complained of heart palpitations and it came back saying i have mitral regurgitation. A 48 hour Holter said that I had sinus tachycardia with a 5 beat run of VT at 130 bpm. Im honestly scared of SCD since the palpitations are much worse at night and often cause shortness of breath and dizziness. I sometimes wake at night gasping for air. Is SCD something i should be concerned about?
Thank you
Although there may not be anything to worry about you may want to seek consultation with an electrophysiologist to review your tracings and history.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Hi doctor, I’m a medical student myself. I’m 22 yrs old I was diagnosed with mild mvp yesterday and my cardiologist put me on beta blockers. I’m having shortness of breath since 4-5 days and had chest pain for 2 days a week back which didn’t occur again but the shortness of breath is still there especially when I’m lying down. What should i do? Shall i be worried about it?
I have MVP with severe leakage, the only symptom I have is shortness of breath climbing stairs and I can’t take extreme heat, is that enough go get surgery, surgery scares the heck out of me :/
MVP, severe leak, and symptoms would in general be an indication for consideration of valve repair.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Hi doctor Nice article. I have been diagnosed with moderate MVP, I was told that condition is only going to get worse over time, and it is congenital. I was told that the valve can be repaired via trans catheter surgury. I was also told that at some point the valve will become un-repairable, and a valve replacement will need to be done. replacement valves only last 15 years for organic, and 20 years for artificial valves. I was told a valve repair should probably be done in near future while it is still repairable. Is there any changes that I can make that will halt or slow the damage to my mitral valve? I wonder what is the cause of the MVP. The other heart valves are in great shape, normal working great. What is causing the mitral valve alone to have problems? I do have high blood pressure and control it with 40mg per day lisonipril, I have diabetes under control with 500mg metformin 2x per day, and 10 units lantus insulin per day. I also have heavy use of chewing tobacco, and get a lot of nicotine. Recent dietary changes have led to all cholesterol tests to be good and within guidelines even for diabetic.
I do experience some aches and pains in heart area some times. I have to assume it is the mvp, as everything else is normal. Other than that, I feel really healthy and good all the time. Since valve replacement puts me on a bad life path, I want to avoid that if possible. same goes for valve repair. I am 53 now. doctor says I am young and a good candidate for surgury. What happens when I replace valve then need to replace it again at age 73? will I be at the mercy of “guidelines” that may cause doctors to be unwilling to do another valve replacement? Valve repair may not be such a great thing either, because how long do those repairs last? What happens when a mitral valve clip fails, falls off inside heart? what happens if stitches dissolve too soon, and fail? Will I be stuck with chronic pain and discomfort from a valve repair? That is why I ask what is the possible causes of my mvp, and what contributes to it. What can do to contribute to halting or even maybe slowing the progress of the disease? Cardiologist is very vague on that. i have been advised o avoid lifting heavy objects and avoid “static” exercise. But moving exercise is good.
DO you have any leak of the valve?
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I have mild MVP, diagnosed about 4 years ago. According to the two checkups I’ve had (every two years), it’s stayed the same. It’s still mild, it doesn’t effect my ejection fracture or left ventricle etc. I have good heart function. All the clinicians say nothing to worry about too much. However, I’m now a bit worried because of coronavirus. If I contract coronavirus, am I more at risk of heart failure even though my prolapse is only mild? I also have a mild leak.
Thanks
Andy
There is no evidence to suggest mild MVP would put you at risk.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I have recently diagnosed with mildy thickened anterior mitral leaflet and mitral valve prolapse with no symptoms but from past few days i am feeling pvcs are they dangerous i am really scared of SCD plz tell me can they lead to sudden cardiac death i am really worried
It is very likely that these are not dangerous. Typically in this setting we would obtain a EKG and a monitor. It looks like the rest of your echocardiogram was normal. Again it’s important you are assessed by someone local who can do a basic workup and reassure you.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.