At an unrelated doctors appointment about six months ago, my doctor noticed a cardiac mumur. He referred me to a cardiologist and I have recently had an appointment.
The outcome of my appointment was mitral valve prolapse with moderate regurgitation and right bundle branch block, incomplete. He suggested that he monitors it yearly and I can arry on as normal, which I believe is the usual process in situations.
I have a very active lifestyle, where I exercise daily. I like to cycle, run, walk and strength train. The cardiologist has said I can continue to do so, unless my condition changes. I am a little more worried now though that I could do more damage or cause a heart attack. I probably shouldn't worry, but it has definitely put a dampener on my enjoyment of my active lifestyle.
Also, is it usual for these conditions to remain the same, or is it more common that it gets worse as I get older?
Thanks listening appreciate any advice.
Paul
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Hi. Welcome to the forum. I hope that you are doing well.
I don’t know anything about mitral valve prolapse but I have had mitral regurgitation. Mine was discovered after I went to the gp will palpitations. My regurgitation was severe and I needed surgery. From what I understand, they don’t do surgery unless it’s severe or you have other conditions which also require surgery.. I think it’s impossible to say whether your regurgitation will progress to severe or how long it would take. I was told that I’d had regurgitation for a very long time although I do t know how they could tell.
Perhaps you could ring the cardiologists secretary and see if you can have a telephone consult or ask the questions about exercise etc via your gp. You can also contact the British Heart Foundation cardiac nurses on Call 0300 330 3311. The Helpline is open weekdays 9am to 5pm. There’s also a chat facility on their website.
No problem. I agree with what paperlover said about surgery. I don’t know why they leave it until it’s severe and urgent unless it’s about nhs waiting lists. It makes sense to me that if it starts to look like a possibility then you want it done while you are fit as this will help with your recovery. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you won’t ever need surgery but if you do, please don’t panic. I’ve had two ohs now and if I can do it, anyone can 😊
My circumstances were virtually identical to yours though my prolapse was worse and regurgitation more severe. I was very fit, going to the gym 5 times a week and had no symptoms. I was referred to a cardiologist who kept me under review and told me to carry on as normal. I made it very clear that if I was going to need surgery, I wanted it sooner rather than later so that I would recover more quickly while I was young (53). After probably 18 months and various scans , he organised a treadmill test. The results were referred to a surgeon for review and he agreed to operate as a matter of urgency. He said if I hadn’t been so fit, I wouldn’t have been able to get dressed without being out of breath. I carried on exercising right up until the week before my operation. All repaired now and back at the gym!
I have moderate mitral regurgitation and complete LBBB plus cardiomyopathy and cardiac microvascular disease. I was told exercise was necessary, and walking was the best exercise as it improves all, physical and mental. However I am probably much older than you and can't do the exercise you do. It would be best if you get medical advice.
Thanks for your responses Paperlover and Silvertail.
The cardiologist did say that the fact that I was fit was really beneficial in these situations. Definitely will keep up my fitness and just be more conscious of any symptoms I may (but hopefully not) develop over time.
As you suggest Silvertail, I may try and get a second opinion just to ensure there are no limitations on how much effort I exert, as I do have a tendency to give it my all when exercising.
Thank you
Paul
Keep going as you have been, definitely the way to go. Just be conscious of anything out of the ordinary as this might be the body telling you something has changed. Enjoy!
I have severe mitral regurgitation and suffer from SVT episodes. Beta blockers have greatly reduced SVT episodes and I’m waiting for mitral valve repair at Barts. I was told exercise was ok as long as it didn’t cause symptoms. I’m able to run but I don’t race hard and I learnt quickly that a sprint finish is a big no-no. I first went to the GP 12 months ago and the op is due in a month or two.
Thanks for your response BlueBearBob. It is reassuring to know that you are still running with severe regurgitation. I have to admit I have slowed down and reduced my time exercising, although I was doing an excessive amount if I'm honest. I think the diagnosis has caused a little anxiety and now made me paranoid. Saying that, I still exercise most days and probably now at a more healthy intensity.
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