ask: How dangerous is MVP?
I was recently diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. I was admitted to the hospital with shellfish poisoning, and because my ECG showed some abnormality (T-wave inversion), they did an echocardiogram on me, and the cardiologist said that my mitral valve 'looked fleshy' and that there was 'myxomatous degeneration' of the valves. She said I was OK, but on looking it up on the net, I read about complications like mitral regurgitation. What are the chances of this happening? I get attacks of chest pain sometimes, and I had always attributed this to acidity, although not relieved by antacids. I understand that 'atypical chest pain' is one of the features of MVP. Why does that happen? And do I need to take antibiotics before surgical procedures, like a tooth extraction? Is it true that MVP patients have an 'asthenic body habitus'? I am tall and very thin (the doctor said I showed Marfanoid features). I am a 22 year old woman majoring in Biology. Thank you very much.
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Dear Anon
Thank you so much for your question and I'm so sorry to hear you have been going through this - and at such a young age!
We are contacting an expert for you.
In the meantime, we have in depth information about this very subject in our medical encyclopedia here http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/mitral-valve-prolapse
and we have several videos by our expert here, regarding your exact diagnosis of MVP: Here is the first one and you can link on to all the video interviews below it regarding MVP: http://www.empowher.com/media/video/video-dr-aklog-mitral-valve-prolapse...
Let us know if this helps and please check back soon -
March 11, 2009 - 1:16pmThis Comment
I'm 43, tall and slender and have mitral valve prolapse as well -- was diagnosed about 20 years ago. I used to take antibiotics before any teeth cleaning appointment, but the American Heart Association came out with a study about a year or so ago that said it wasn't necessary to do so. So I've stopped taking antibiotics before going to the dentist. I'll do some research tonight and try to find that study for you. If I could give you any advice, it's not to be too alarmed. MVP is fairly common. I also have GERD and once I experienced chest pain so severe that I went to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack. Over the counter antacids don't help me -- I take stronger medication for it daily and have been doing well with it for about 7 years. I'll get back with you about that study.....
March 11, 2009 - 5:08pmThank you for this question, I am sure many of our members may have or know someone who has been diagnosed MVP. It is not an uncommon condition seen mainly in women. It becomes an issue when the body is put through the test if the person is physically active (i.e. extreme sports) or pregnant. But most of the time it is treatable as Kristin mentioned. I was wondering if you have been prescribed baby aspirin, you may also want to consider CoQ10 to protect the heart, Rhodiola to keep you relaxed and anxiety-free and keep a healthy nutrition that includes raw veggies, fruits and fatty acids (omega 3 oils). Meditation and breathing exercises should also help reduce the apprehension and improve overall wellbeing.
March 11, 2009 - 8:44pmMVP is far more common than most people think (and is often misdiagnosed - especially in children).
I too took antibiotics before going to the dentist but stopped last year. Most dentists know about this now.
Here is the study Kristin mentioned http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/131/3/366
March 12, 2009 - 8:55amThanks for providing the study!! My dentist drives me crazy because he never seems to remember about this study. Whenever I go in for a cleaning, his assistant calls me beforehand to remind me to take antibiotics prior to the appointment, and I always have to remind them that it's not necessary. It's actually detrimental, because the last thing I'd want to do with MVP is build up a resistance to antibiotics.
From what I've heard, aspirin is not necessary with MVP. I've been told not to "treat" it in any way, other than just to be aware and to let my doctors know about it, especially if I have surgery. I've not had any problems related to MVP, even through having four babies, including a set of twins, and having run multiple marathons. I am glad I know about it, though.
March 12, 2009 - 11:19amThat makes me feel much better. I was quite worried about it, and the chest pains are worse whenever I'm stressed. Thank you, all of you.
I am having a root canal this weekend (my first dental procedure after my diagnosis). My dentist still told me to take antibiotics, just to be on the safe side.
March 17, 2009 - 5:25amhi im having a dental extraction and i have also MVP...im scared and nervous for this procedure,,,,can someone experience dental extraction wwith mvp?is there a bad interaction of anesthesia in our heart?im sooooo scared......pls advice me that it will not harm me coz im going craxy thinkng of it, i need 5 tooth need to be pulled at 1 time thats why im scared...pls reply.....thanks,,,,, rochellle....
June 15, 2009 - 1:20amDental extraction is not fun -- I completely empathize with you. I have had my four wisdom teeth pulled, many years ago, and at the time I was totally unaware that I even had MVP. So I wasn't given antibiotics or anything, and I had no problems at all. If I were you, I would be sure to consult with your doctor as well as your dentist and let all involved know that you have MVP. Also, please read the article that was mentioned here in this conversation in one of the above posts. That gives information that it's not necessary to have antibiotics prior to having a dental procedure.
For people with MVP, I'm not aware of any negative interactions with anesthesia. I've had anesthesia many times over the years and the only negative side effects I've had is sometimes some nausea afterwards.
June 15, 2009 - 9:32amMy daughter was also diagnosed with MVP when she was 8 years old. She is now 14 years old. Mitral regurgitation happens with MVP because the valve is not working properly. I have watched it on the echocardiogram several times. They suspect there are many other people that have it, although have not been diagnosed. She also has mild acid reflux, but we control it through diet and at times she does go on medication. Our dentist and orthodontist told us that antibiotics were not necessary, although they did want her to have it once after that recommendation when they were putting her braces on.
June 15, 2009 - 7:57pmShe is an extremely athletic girl who is does competitive sports and is very successful. Exercise is good. I think that she sometimes needs more "rest" time than others or can't quite keep up after long aerobic tasks, but she doesn't really know any different.
The absolute worst case scenario is replacing the valve, which has been done successfully for several years. My daughter and I have talked about athletes and others who have had MVP and had a valve replacement successfully like Arnold Schwarzenegger. As you know, the best thing to do is to be educated, know how to take care of your body, and live with little stress :).
How interesting.... is there a connection between acid reflux and MVP?
I was hospitalized about 8 years ago for severe chest pains, nausea and fainting, that we thought might have been a heart attack. I was in the cardiac wing for a few days having all kinds of heart tests, and that's when they came up with the MVP diagnosis. But it turned out that the pain was from acid reflux, and I was diagnosed with GERD as well. I was put on Nexium (40 mg twice a day) and haven't had any chest pains since. Like your daughter, I'm also extremely athletic and have a high endurance level. I haven't noticed that I tire out easier than others -- I guess I just never think about my MVP.
June 16, 2009 - 10:20am