Monthly Newsletter

   HEALTH DESIGN, INC.
Mitral Valve Prolapse    Volume 1, Issue 4
   May 14, 2001

 
Mitral valve prolapse(MVP) is a cardiac condition which is more common in females and is generally first diagnosed in the female age group of teen years to about 40 years of age. 

In this age group, MVP has an incidence of occurrence of 5%
-10%. MVP is more commonly seen in slim, tall, red-haired women.

Although mitral valve prolapse is most often incidentally
discovered by 

 auscultatory findings
(a faint murmur typical for leaky mitral valve heard with a stethoscope) or echocardiogram, a few patients exhibit  a wide variety  of  symptoms and complications. 

These features include: 

  • Ill described chest pain 
  • Cardiac rhythm disturbances 
  • Electrocardiographic abnormalities 
  • Easily fatigued
  • Palpitations 
  • Anxiety episodes 
  • Episodic dizziness
    		•  Only a small percentage of patients with MVP exhibit these features which are easily controlled with medications. 

    The vast majority of patients with MVP require no treatment and should be encouraged to lead normal lives.

    Although there is some controversy regarding pre-treating MVP patients with antibiotics prior to elective surgery or dental work, the majority of knowledgeable
     

    		 physicians recommend
    this pre-treatment plan to lessen the risk of developing subacute bacterial endocarditis ( a bacterial infection of the heart valve mechanism). 

    For those of you who have been diagnosed as having mitral valve prolapse, it is good wisdom to be evaluated by a cardiologist. 

    Respectfully, 
    B.P. Loughridge,M.D. 


     


    Return Home

    Back