Mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation

[nat117]

Hello I have just joined this amazing community , I am early on in my journey and have an appointment with my cardiologist tomorrow. I am 51 never been ill really before, in January I went to the GP thinking I had an ear infection , due to dizziness. Doctor said could hear a heart murmur , was shocked - have been tired and a little bit of breathelessness - I was on the list for an echo and each time I rang they said I was a routine and would get an appointment - in june had a horrible experience at work and was sent to hospital - ended up in AECU was checked for heart attack and blood clots, went back to doctors . He chased my Echo , had that and have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and reurgitation - I have the appointment tomorrow - what do I need to know what should I expect ? Sounds silly but head in a spin at the moment

Thank you for reading my long post

[SJW1]

Hi nat117. Welcome 😊

There are many people on here who will be able to give you lots of amazing advice and guidance on what questions to ask etc.

I’m just over a year ahead of you but unfortunately didn’t find this site until after seeing my cardiologist. I was shocked to the core when I received my diagnosis of MVP and moderate regurgitation and it took me an age to get my head around it. I originally had a few strange palpitations which led to my Dr hearing a murmur, getting a 5 day Holter monitor and an echocardiogram. Apart from a few palpitations I do not get any other symptoms.

I would ask how bad the regurgitation is though. It seems to range from a trace to severe/critical. An operation may be required at some point but a large number of people live with it without ever having to have medical intervention. It may be a watch and wait as like me you’ve got no history so they need to build up a record so you may just be asked to have an annual echocardiogram to keep an eye on it. Mine appears to be stable at the moment but it needs to be monitored. I’m 59, still go to the gym etc and my cardiologist has advised me to live life with no restrictions but everyone is different. I’m not on any medication either.

You may also be advised of the ejection fraction (EF). I believe around 55% or higher is good/normal but no doubt the experienced folk on this site will confirm.

Cardiologists seem to consider the severity of the regurgitation, EF and the individuals symptoms to decide what treatment, if any, is required. Timing for surgery, if required, is crucial.

The main impact the diagnosis has had on me has been the hike in my travel insurance premiums 😂

Good luck with your appointment and let us know how you get on. Sharon