I have mitral valve prolapse. Just recently Ive been getting chest pains more often * few times a day* and the panic and anxiety have gotten worse. I had a pain last night that lasted about 10 minutes and it was very uncomfortable.I know mitral valve prolapse is a condition that usually not a threat. But can it get worse over time with some people?My doctor already knows I have it but should I go back to have more tests done?Im kinda scared because my symptoms are getting to be more than what they were.Any advice?
Mitral valve prolapse associated with severe mitral regurgitation can be treated with repair or surgical replacement of the mitral valve. Repair of the mitral valve is always preferable to replacement and should be performed by surgeons that are skilled in the procedure. Current ACC/AHA guidelines suggest that early repair of mitral valve, performed in centers of surgical excellence, should be considered even in patients without symptoms of heart failure. Symptomatic patients, those with evidence of diminished left ventricular function or left ventricular dilatation need urgent attention.
sounds more like anxiety to me.I agree wid Rhianna
Mitral valve prolapse does not usually cause the painful symptoms usually associated with a heart attack. Depending on the severity it can cause dizziness or fainting on rising from a seated position. If you press on the left carotid artery, reducing blood flow to the brain a mitral valve prolapse condition will not be able to overcome the extra resistance applied to the artery and may cause a blackout. This depends on your exact condition. It can be corrected by surgery with either an artificial or an organic valve replacement. The chest pains may be something else going on with your heart or just caused by anxiety and stress. I believe it would be best if you went back to the cardiologist and had him/her check you out thoroughly. If only to set your mind at ease and relieve some of your anxiety. Take care
It's not clear whether or not your symptoms are pathological and you are anxious and worrying because you are having symptoms or you are having panic attacks/anxiety episodes and the symptoms you are having are a result of this. It's often a vicious circle, there may be nothing wrong. As you have been told, MVP is a fairly common finding and generally does not cause any problems. MVP is often over-diagnosed, especially in young women- GPs are terrible for this. This happens because some Doctors have incomplete understanding of normal valve anatomy and ECG appearances. Various symptoms are often attributed to MVP, such as atypical chest pain, palpitations, syncope and anxiety. These were sometimes termed mitral valve prolapse syndrome. However, data from the Framingham study and others does not support a link between these symptoms and MVP. Please bear this in mind because some misinformed Drs and Nurses may try to tell you otherwise. The problem only comes with MVP is if one develops severe mitral regurgitation. IF there is severe regurgitation (which I seriously doubt), the most likely symptoms you would experience would be breathessness, dizziness or tiredness. Chest pains (angina) can occur if there is reduced blood flow to the coronary arteries or if not enough blood gets to the thickened ventricle. Best advise here is for you to pop along to your GP so he can do an ECG and possibly an Echo, this is more to set your mind at rest though. In absence of other symptoms, the most likely explanation for your symptoms is musculoskeletal pain.
