Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Exercise, and Management Tips

Q: Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Exercise, and Management Tips

To the dedicated and self-sacrificing healthcare workers： If you truly have mitral valve prolapse, you can still engage in exercise. <br>However, my personal interpretation of avoiding intense exercise means not participating in competitive, forced activities. <br>Exercise within

The troubling issue of mitral valve prolapse?

Hello, Doctor: I have been an athlete since childhood, engaging in intense sports (like basketball) every day, which would often leave my face flushed.
After turning 30, my physical activity significantly decreased due to work demands after joining the government.
When I was 33, I suddenly experienced sharp chest pain while eating (it was a stabbing pain that worsened with deep breaths, and I couldn't lie flat; I could only sleep in a semi-reclined position.
The first episode lasted nearly 24 hours).
I went to the hospital for an examination (by then, I had no symptoms), and they diagnosed me with mitral valve prolapse but said it was not serious (I underwent an ultrasound, an electrocardiogram, and a 24-hour Holter monitor).
They prescribed some medication, which I did not take.
The doctor advised me to "not worry about it," to avoid staying up late, and to refrain from intense exercise.
Since then, my life has felt somewhat colorless.
Today (a year later), I suddenly started experiencing pain again (while playing tennis).
I immediately went home to rest and then went to the emergency room, where I received an injection and medication (but there has been no improvement; the pain has persisted for over a day now), and I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow.
I would like to ask: 1.
What types of exercise are considered less intense? Is it absolutely necessary to avoid vigorous exercise? Why did I never experience this before the age of 33? Could it be that when my physical condition is at 100%, engaging in activities that require 60% of my capacity is fine, but now that my fitness is at 70%, activities requiring 80% lead to problems? 2.
A friend of mine also has a similar issue, but his episodes last only a few hours or less.
Why do I experience pain for such a long duration? 3.
How often should I return for follow-up appointments? 4.
My lifestyle occasionally involves long working hours and late nights (due to work demands); is there a possibility of myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death (which makes me consider remaining single)? I apologize for writing so much; I just hope to better understand my condition and receive good advice.
Thank you.

Tiao X Yuan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/10/20

Dr. Bu Shiyun reply Cardiology

To the dedicated and self-sacrificing healthcare workers: If you truly have mitral valve prolapse, you can still engage in exercise.
However, my personal interpretation of avoiding intense exercise means not participating in competitive, forced activities.
Exercise within your physical limits is beneficial for health, but exceeding those limits may be counterproductive.
Competitive activities refer to not participating in competitions, such as track and field or swimming contests.
Competing requires giving your all, which may lead to exhaustion! However, regular activities like jogging or playing sports are perfectly fine! At your current age of 34, it's normal to experience some decline after turning 30; thus, 30 is not as good as 20, and 40 is not as good as 30.
It's essential to maintain a good balance in both physical and mental health.
Appropriate exercise can help sustain this balance, and even if your physical condition isn't as good as before, you can still remain healthy.
As for whether your chest pain is caused by mitral valve prolapse, I don't believe so.
It could be due to excessive fatigue or stress, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.
Your body is simply reminding you that you are overworked and need to adjust your lifestyle and work habits.
Occasionally working long hours and staying up late is acceptable, but it shouldn't become a routine.
Those who are prone to overwork should absolutely avoid smoking, as it significantly increases the risk of sudden death.
Doctors cannot predict who will experience sudden death; that might require consulting a fortune teller! (Just kidding!) I write all this to encourage our self-sacrificing healthcare workers to take care of their health, strive for balance in work and life, and avoid becoming physically and mentally exhausted.

Reply Date: 2008/10/20

More Info

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a condition where the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium from the left ventricle, does not close properly. This can lead to various symptoms and complications, and understanding how to manage this condition is crucial, especially for someone with an active lifestyle like yourself.

Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Many individuals with MVP may not experience significant symptoms. However, some common symptoms include:
1. Chest Pain: This can be sharp or aching and may occur during physical activity or stress.

2. Palpitations: You might feel a fluttering or irregular heartbeat.

3. Shortness of Breath: This can occur during exertion or when lying flat.

4. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired can also be a symptom.

5. Anxiety: Some patients report increased anxiety levels, which can exacerbate symptoms.

Given your history of chest pain during physical activity, it’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely. The pain you experienced could be related to MVP, especially if it was sharp and associated with deep breathing.

Exercise Recommendations
1. Moderate Exercise: While vigorous activities like basketball or tennis may exacerbate your symptoms, moderate exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming can be beneficial. These activities can help maintain cardiovascular fitness without putting excessive strain on your heart.

2. Listen to Your Body: If you feel pain or discomfort during exercise, it’s crucial to stop and rest. Gradually increase your activity level as tolerated.

3. Consult with a Cardiologist: Before starting any exercise regimen, especially after experiencing significant symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a tailored exercise program based on your current health status.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Why the Change in Symptoms?: It’s not uncommon for symptoms to change over time. Factors such as stress, fatigue, and changes in physical fitness can influence how MVP presents. Your previous high level of fitness may have masked symptoms that are now more apparent due to decreased activity levels.

2. Duration of Symptoms: The duration of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with MVP. Factors such as the severity of the prolapse, associated regurgitation, and individual pain tolerance can all play a role. Your friend’s shorter episodes may indicate a less severe form of MVP or different triggers.

Follow-Up Care
1. Regular Monitoring: It’s advisable to have regular follow-ups with your cardiologist, especially if you experience new or worsening symptoms. Typically, follow-up visits may be scheduled every 6 to 12 months, but this can vary based on your specific situation.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate sleep can help mitigate symptoms. If your work schedule leads to long hours and irregular sleep, consider strategies to improve your sleep hygiene and stress management.

Risks of Severe Complications
While MVP is often benign, there can be risks associated with it, such as arrhythmias or, in rare cases, endocarditis. However, the likelihood of severe complications like myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death is low in individuals with isolated MVP without significant regurgitation or other heart conditions.

Conclusion
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your condition, especially with the symptoms you’ve experienced. Open communication with your healthcare provider is essential to manage your MVP effectively. They can provide guidance on safe exercise, monitor your heart health, and help you navigate lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life. Remember, many individuals with MVP lead active, fulfilling lives with appropriate management.

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