So I tried to go skydiving last weekend and they told me know because I have mitral valve prolapse. I've had it for years and it's never really been a problem for me, I just have chest pains sometimes and feel palpitations. What would be the danger of not telling the skydiving place about my problem the next time I go in? I know I should tell them, but I want to skydive. What could happen to me if I jump? No lectures about what's right and wrong here please. I just want to know what's the worse that could happen?
There are many people with mitral valve prolapse that never have symptoms related to it and never have any problems as a result. Mitral valve prolapse can lead to the backflow of blood through the mitral valve known as mitral regurgitation. This can potentially lead to abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. The concern with skydiving is that it would lead to a surge of adrenaline resulting in increased heart rate, strength of heart contractions and overall workload of the heart. If you have MVP without regurgitation, then your risk would be similar to the general population. If you have regurgitation it depends on the severity the regurgitation. If you have mild regurgitation, then it also should not be a problem. If you have severe regurgitation, then you could run into problems from the increased workload of the heart. In this case, I would suggest you discuss it with your Cardiologist. It is unlikely that you have atrial fibrillation. If you by chance do, then it depends on how well your heart rate is controlled. If there is any doubt, then ask your Cardiologist. Good luck.
