Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Concerns Explained

Please ask your question?

The physician would like to ask if you had an internship at the hospital during this winter break, where you and your classmates underwent echocardiography.
The technician mentioned that you have mitral valve prolapse.
Recently, you have experienced episodes of feeling short of breath, followed by involuntary deep breaths, and you also feel that your heart is racing and uncomfortable.
Since you have previously experienced hyperventilation and visited the emergency room, you would like to understand what these symptoms might indicate.

kathy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/24

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology

Hello Kathy, regarding your inquiry, "You have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse.
Sometimes you feel short of breath and then suddenly take a deep breath involuntarily, and you feel your heart racing and uncomfortable." Generally speaking, palpitations are a subjective symptom that may or may not be related to arrhythmias.
Similarly, shortness of breath is also a subjective symptom that may or may not be related to cardiopulmonary function.
However, more details about your symptoms are needed for better assessment.
It is recommended that you consult a trusted family physician nearby, and if you still have concerns, consider seeking the opinion of a cardiologist.
Take care from the Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/04/24

More Info

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a condition where the mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, does not close properly. Instead of closing tightly, one or both of the valve's flaps (leaflets) bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction. This condition is relatively common and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Many people with MVP do not experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
1. Palpitations: This is often described as a feeling of the heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats. This can be distressing and may lead to anxiety.

2. Shortness of Breath: Some individuals may experience difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or when lying flat. This can be due to the heart's inability to pump effectively if the valve is significantly regurgitating blood back into the atrium.

3. Chest Pain: This is typically not related to coronary artery disease and can be sharp or aching. It may be associated with anxiety or panic attacks.

4. Fatigue: Some people report feeling unusually tired, which can be attributed to the heart's inefficiency in pumping blood.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This can occur, particularly if there are significant arrhythmias associated with MVP.

Your Symptoms Explained
From your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to MVP. The episodes of feeling like you cannot catch your breath, along with the need to take deep breaths, may suggest a few possibilities:
- Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Given your history of hyperventilation and emergency room visits, it is possible that anxiety is contributing to your symptoms. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which can cause feelings of breathlessness and palpitations.

- Palpitations: The sensation of a rapid heartbeat can be a direct symptom of MVP. The irregularities in heart rhythm can cause discomfort and anxiety, leading to a cycle of increased awareness of your heart rate and further anxiety.

- Potential Mitral Regurgitation: If your MVP is significant, it may lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the left atrium. This can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, especially during exertion.

Recommendations
1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: It is essential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional, especially since you have a history of hyperventilation and recent findings of MVP. They may recommend further evaluation, such as an echocardiogram, to assess the severity of the prolapse and any associated regurgitation.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities or stressors. This information can be helpful for your doctor.

3. Manage Anxiety: If anxiety is a contributing factor, consider discussing this with your doctor. They may recommend therapy, relaxation techniques, or medications to help manage anxiety and its physical symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration can help improve overall cardiovascular health. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine may also reduce palpitations.

5. Follow-up: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is crucial to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

In conclusion, while MVP can be a benign condition, your symptoms warrant further evaluation to rule out any significant complications. Engaging with your healthcare provider will help you understand your condition better and manage your symptoms effectively.

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