Moderate mitral valve regurgitation

[Dossaleeds]

Hello. I’ve recently been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and moderate regurgitation. The diagnosis was a bit of a shock and I’m still trying to get my head around it. I think most of us don’t really understand how hearts work until there’s something wrong with it. As soon as you hear there’s a problem, you automatically start thinking about heart attacks and strokes.

I’m 44 and fairly active. My GP has said I can’t do any exercise apart from gentle exercise until I see a cardiologist. Looking at some of the posts in the forum, lots of people have said that their MVP with moderate regurgitation has just been monitored rather than operated on. I just wondered if anyone in a similar situation could share some of the lifestyle/dietary advice they’d been given while they were been monitored?

[_Paul]

Hi,I was diagnosed with MVP and moderate regurgitation last August. It was a massive shock to me also and if I'm honest, it is still a worry that I often think about.

I'm a pretty active person, walking, running and cycling regularly. I was running a half marathon most weekends when I found out. My doctor and cardiologist didn't seem that concerned with all the exercise and didn't limit me in any way. I have to admit, I still exercise regularly, but I have slowed down a lot. I think probably due to my own worry and fears.

My cardiologist didn't seem especially concerned when I saw him in August. I believe that I will be monitored yearly to ensure everything is okay and that nothing has worsened, but other than that he didn't have much advice for me.

Sorry, I don't have lots of advice for you. Just thought I would say hi and that I share your worries.

Take care

Paul

[Dossaleeds in reply to _Paul]

Thanks for replying, Paul. That’s reassuring. I think it was the conflicting information from the GP that I’ve found hardest to process. On the one hand, he was saying “Don’t worry. A heart vale repair/replacement is a mechanical fix for a mechanical problem. It’s very common.”, then on the other hand saying “Stop all exercise completely apart from gentle walking until you’ve seen a cardiologist.”

Fingers crossed, your yearly results keep being fine.

[_Paul in reply to Dossaleeds]

Hopefully you will get your cardiologist appointment soon and he can direct you to what would be best ref exercise. It is frustrating, but probably best to wait for the expert opinion.

I have spent months doing what is pretty much not recommended and googling it all. I feel a little more informed, but it probably hasn't helped my anxiety.

I found out about the mitral regurgitation at an echo done by the cardiologist, which seems better with respect to discussing it and less time worrying about unanswered questions. On the other hand, it was a shock and at the time I didn't have any questions to ask, as I knew nothing about it. Although frustrating, you have some time to write down all the questions you have floating around in your head. I will certainly be better prepared for my follow up.

Take care

Paul

[HBaaBaa]

I am the same age as you and was diagnosed with the same last July. My cardiologist told me that exercise is really good but I am limited by other health conditions sadly. Mine is being monitored annually and if it gets any worse will need to have surgery to repair the valve. I was very scared by it at first but have now got quite used to living with it. I think you will feel much more at ease once you have seen the cardiologist.

[Dossaleeds in reply to HBaaBaa]

Thanks for replying. It really helps being able to listen to other people who are a little further ahead with their diagnosis.

[HBaaBaa]

No problem, I agree. I have had side effects of palpitations due to a high load of ectopic beats, lightheadedness and breathlessness. These have improved with Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker. Not the cardiologists first choice but limited by asthma and allergic reactions to other drugs!

[Mark_tourguide]

Hello - I have MVP and it’s true that operations are not necessarily imperative especially if you are younger, as you are. Many people live a fairly normal life unless symptoms impede and you would need to be checked annually.

I have elected to go for surgery but am 59 and symptoms are still only moderate . If I was younger I probably wouldn’t.

OJust watch for symptoms - breathlessness, enduring palpitations, ankle swelling, but try not to worry too much - age is on your side 😀

[Dossaleeds in reply to Mark_tourguide]

Thanks for replying, Mark. It really helps hearing from other people in a similar situation. Good luck with your surgery.

[Kazzyd1964 in reply to Dossaleeds]

I had a mitral valve replacement in Feb at Glenfield due to having rheumatic fever at some point in my life. I had the bovine valve but then had to have a pacemaker as I developed a heart block , the recovery hasn’t been too bad apart from the sickness on first 2 days and my scar has healed very well .the pain wasn’t too bad and was mainly just on paracetamol after 3-4 days . I can now walk 4-5 miles easily and could do around 70 steps without getting breathless . My strength hasn’t returned fully yet but you shouldn’t lift anything heavy for 6 month so I have been mindful of that . I am now discharged back to GP from hospital . Hopefully everything goes well for you 🤞

[catherine1712]

hi, i have the same diagnosis. the cardiologist told me to keep my blood pressure below the levels of 130/80. I do have palpitations and pain, not very strong but still there most of the time. somewhat worrying that there is not much to be done except for echocardiogram test, blood pressure monitoring or heart surgery. Best wishes.