Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression may be associated with mitral valve prolapse. Like fatigue, these symptoms are believed to be related to imbalances of the autonomic nervous system.
Abstract. Our clinical experience suggests that anxiety may provoke the augmentation of the degree of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and change the mitral inflow velocity pattern in patients with MVP.
Patients with anxiety disorders, particularly panic attacks, appear to have an increased prevalence of MVP compared with control groups or the general population, although most individuals with MVP are asymptomatic.
Being male or having high blood pressure increases the risk of mitral valve regurgitation. Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). Irregular heartbeats may occur if mitral valve prolapse leads to severe regurgitation and swelling of the upper left heart chamber (atrium).
A leaky valve can contribute to heart failure and cardiac arrest. So you should take good care of yourself to improve your overall heart health. The following lifestyle changes can help ease the symptoms and prevent more serious heart problems: Avoid alcohol, smoking and illegal drugs.
What are the risk factors? Common risk factors for leaky valves are older age, family history, history of heart infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and lack of physical exercise.
Avoid or limit alcohol.
Heavy alcohol use can cause arrhythmias and can make your symptoms worse. Excessive alcohol use can also cause cardiomyopathy, a condition of weakened heart muscle that leads to mitral regurgitation.
Caffeine can be problematic if you have a mitral valve prolapse. Caffeinated coffee and tea, along with energy drinks, can aggravate an MVP by causing heart palpitations, anxiety, and panic attacks. If you enjoy these types of beverages, opt for decaffeinated varieties to minimize MVP symptoms.
Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression may be associated with mitral valve prolapse. Like fatigue, these symptoms are believed to be related to imbalances of the autonomic nervous system. Migraine headaches have been occasionally linked to mitral valve prolapse.
In mitral valve regurgitation, the flaps don't seal well, which allows blood to leak backward and forces the heart to work harder to pump blood out to the body. This can cause shortness of breath and fatigue.
These symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The symptoms of mitral valve prolapse may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
For some people, valve regurgitation develops slowly over a few decades. For others, it happens quickly and unexpectedly.
“If that door doesn't close completely, blood can leak backward into the heart.” Leaky heart valves are a relatively common problem, especially in older adults. Over time, they can make your heart work harder, causing serious damage — and uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, leaky valves are treatable.
Treatments include medicines, surgical repair, or surgical replacement of the leaky valve. Observation over time for changes is the most common approach to a leaky heart valve.
Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and makes it more efficient. This type of exercise is generally recommended for people who have MVP. Aerobic exercise includes walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. A moderate pace for 30 minutes at a time is a good way to get started.
Avoid or limit alcohol.
Heavy alcohol use can cause arrhythmias and can make your symptoms worse. Excessive alcohol use can also cause cardiomyopathy, a condition of weakened heart muscle that leads to mitral regurgitation.
If you do have symptoms or if you have irregular heart rhythms or changes in your heart size or function, you may need to be cautious about physical activity. But regular activity, even low-level activity such as walking, will help keep your heart healthy.
It is concluded that many patients with heavily symptomatic MVP have low serum magnesium, and supplementation of this ion leads to improvement in most symptoms along with a decrease in catecholamine excretion.
As the condition progresses, you may develop heart valve disease symptoms including: Shortness of breath: You may have trouble breathing, especially during exercise. Heart palpitations: You may notice a fluttering sensation in your heart, especially when lying on your left side.
How fast does mitral valve regurgitation progress? Chronic mitral valve regurgitation progresses at an average rate of 7.4 mL of increased backflow of blood per year.
If the condition remains untreated, you may lose your life in the next three years after encountering the symptoms. However, after undergoing surgical valve replacement, you can improve your quality of life. Patients with a replaced valve may have excellent long-term survival.
Most of the time, a leaky mitral valve does not require treatment. Since it is a slowly progressive disease, yearly follow-up is a necessity to monitor for development of heart failure. Evaluating the severity of the problem frequently will make the decision to surgically repair or replace the faulty valve easier.