Mitral valve leak in heart?

[Jerseylicious]

Hi everyone! I have a question maybe some of you can give me your experiences with.

I am 38, work out hard 3-4 times per week at the gym, doing high impact and sports drills regularly. Last month I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Regurgitation and trace Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation by an echocardiogram.

My medical doctor said since I have no symptoms, to continue with my exercise routine as usual. But....I am scared to death to do so. I do not get short of breath (except for what is expected doing high cardio) during my workouts, nor do I have any pain.

I have an appt with a cardiologist on the 14th of this month. However, since I was diagnosed, I have not worked out, and have gained almost 5 pounds. I feel like crap, not working out, because I am one of those where exercise is a drug and it makes me feel wonderful physically and mentally. I plan on going to the gym tomorrow, but only doing the treadmill and some swimming.

Does anyone else have this, and if so, were you banned from vigorous exercise? Again, I understand these leaks cause more problems (heart failure, etc) when one is in their 60's and 70's. I don't know anyone who's been diagnosed with this at my age, although maybe it's not a big deal and no one felt a need to mention it.

In any event, any info would be helpful! TIA!

 

[JessicaR]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mi.../DS00421/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

Exercise. Physical activity helps to keep your body fit and may also help you to recover faster if you ever need heart surgery. Your doctor usually gives you guidelines for your exercise program. Don't stop exercising if you've received a diagnosis of mitral valve regurgitation. If you find that you're unable to do things because of mitral valve regurgitation, talk to your doctor.

After you get a full evaluation from the Cardiologist you should have some guidelines for exercising. Also what degree the regurgitation is at. For mild cases, treatment may not be necessary.

I hope all goes well on the 14th!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Go work out! Now if you were saying you were short of breath, fainting, or chest pain then I would say stop exercising.

What made you get the echo?

 

[Jerseylicious]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mi.../DS00421/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

Don't stop exercising if you've received a diagnosis of mitral valve regurgitation.

I hope all goes well on the 14th!

Thanks Jessica! I actually saw that on the mayo clinic's website, and those exact words you posted above were music to my eyes!!! (heh?? LOL You know what I mean lol) Still, I am reluctant, I guess, until I hear it with my own ears by someone who looks at all my paperwork. This is completely devastating to me, as I love exercising and also my job is all physical. I will be crushed if I can't go on as usual...physical activity is my livelyhood. Thanks again Jessica, for the info!

 

[Jerseylicious]

Go work out! Now if you were saying you were short of breath, fainting, or chest pain then I would say stop exercising.

What made you get the echo?

I had a fluttering, not in my heart, but right where your esophagus would connect to your stomach. Almost right where someone would push on you to do CPR. They put the ultrasound there, and apparently nothing showed up so I don't know what it is still. So my doctor did an echo for that reason. I told her I didn't feel like it was my heart, but she was just being sure.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I had a fluttering, not in my heart, but right where your esophagus would connect to your stomach. Almost right where someone would push on you to do CPR. They put the ultrasound there, and apparently nothing showed up so I don't know what it is still. So my doctor did an echo for that reason. I told her I didn't feel like it was my heart, but she was just being sure.

So you have not seen a cardio for an official diagnosis then, correct? Who read your echo?

 

[minkydog]

I have never heard of a healthy person who has a leaky or prolapsed heart valve being told NOT to exercise. Most healthy people don't have to change anything, unless they are heavy drinkers or smokers. Of all the things that can go wrong with your heart, mitral valve/tricuspid valve leakage is the least likely to cause something serious in an otherwise healthy person. Good luck. You'll feel a lot better after you talk to your cardiologist, I'm sure.

 

[krcit]

My DH has mitral valve prolapse and at his last echo was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation. His Dr told him that by working out you strengthen your heart and lower your pulse which in turn makes your heart work less.He runs about 4 miles a day and has for the last 30 years(he's 47) Keep exercising!!! It's the best thing for you!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Mitral Valve Prolapse is, of course, different for everyone and you should definitely see a cardiologist but here is my experience with it.

I was diagnosed with MVP when I was 10 (I just turned 45 last week). My pediatrician heard a little sound in my heart and sent me to a cardiologist who did an echo cardiogram. The doctor told my mom that it's basically a benign condition and I didn't have to curtail my activities at all. It's usually genetic and my dad ended up being diagnosed with it when he was in his 70s.

I went to a cardiologist again when I was 35 for a check up and the echo showed that my prolapse was minor and my blood leakage was very small. Again, no change in activities. I just had another echo this past summer and with the same cardiologist I saw 10 years ago (he's also my dad's doctor). He said I officially don't have MVP anymore! He said the diagnostic standards for MVP have changed and they're finding that a certain level of prolapse can be considered normal. My condition doesn't qualify anymore as being called MVP. That was good to hear!

On a side note: a women in her 60s who worked for our school district died earlier this year. She literally dropped dead at home for no apparent reason. Another school district employee told me they determined she died of Mitral Valve Prolapse. This freaked me out a little so I asked my cardiologist if it could happen. He said absolutely not! He doesn't know of any cases where someone died of MVP. He said she must have had a heart condition that couldn't be detected in an autopsy but no one dies solely of MVP. That certainly made be feel better, even though the next thing he told me is that I don't meet the diagnostic criteria anymore.

 

[HERSEY]

I've had MVP for most of my life. I am healthy, as far as I know and excercise.

I only pull out the MVP "card" when I don't want to do something like jogging.

 

[Jerseylicious]

So you have not seen a cardio for an official diagnosis then, correct? Who read your echo?

It was a third party that came in my dr's office and did the echo. It was read by a cardiologist elsewhere here in NJ.

I have never heard of a healthy person who has a leaky or prolapsed heart valve being told NOT to exercise. Most healthy people don't have to change anything, unless they are heavy drinkers or smokers. Of all the things that can go wrong with your heart, mitral valve/tricuspid valve leakage is the least likely to cause something serious in an otherwise healthy person. Good luck. You'll feel a lot better after you talk to your cardiologist, I'm sure.

Well I definitely don't drink or smoke, so that's good, lol. And you're right, I sure will feel better afterward! Hurry up, next Thursday!

My DH has mitral valve prolapse and at his last echo was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation. His Dr told him that by working out you strengthen your heart and lower your pulse which in turn makes your heart work less.He runs about 4 miles a day and has for the last 30 years(he's 47) Keep exercising!!! It's the best thing for you!

Oh I hope hope hope that this is the same news I will get! Thank you!

However, to all of you speaking about MVP, my report specifically said I do NOT have MVP, only MVR. What exactly is MVP??? Whatever it is, I'm glad I don't have it lol.

 

[suzimar57]

i was diagnosed with MVP when i was 24 (although i'd had those "sharp pains" for at least 10 years prior, but didn't know what it was) - i'm 52 now, only occasionally do i have "those sharp pains" - checked by my cardiologist 2 years ago (EKG, etc) - all good, no changes...

 

[locolala]

MVP is the mitral valve prolapse, it's where the valve doesn't shut properly and prolapses, or bends, back into the atrium. I have both MVP and MVR. I served in the military, played multiple sports, and live a normal life. No real issues from it!

 

[SeaSpray]

I hope you get great news next week!

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

I was diagnosed with MVP when I was 30 - almost 20 years ago. My cardiologist just told me it's now to the point where the valve will soon need to be replaced . I still exercise though because the rest of the heart (as well as the lungs etc.) needs to stay healthy. I just can't exercise as long or as intense as I used to because I'm out of breath and in pain quicker. Also surgery can be easier if you are in shape/healthy (relatively ).

As others have stated here, the MVP doesn't have to alter your life that much. I have enjoyd hiking in the mountains (I'm a flat lander normally), going to Disney and walking all day and night and riding all the rides, and shoveling snow until I don't want to see another snow flake in my life (although this is where I really need to be careful - this and anything that requires a lot of arm work, washing windows, scraping ice off the windshield
etc.).

I'm not sure if I was very helpful. My mind wanders easily these days as a result of the chemo I'm on right now - sorry.

 

[TEENEE]

I have MVP too. My cardiologist and primary doctor encourage me to exercise to keep my heart as healthy as possible.

 

[Jerseylicious]

Thanks Auntie SeaSpray! And everyone else for the info!

I just got back from the gym....my first time back in a month and a half! I just did the treadmill for a half hour and it felt good just to be there!! I plan on doing Zumba on Thursday, my favorite class ever, but just taking it easy until the following Thursday when I have my appointment with the cardiologist. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories! I am feeling more optimistic about it, and am just hoping that my doctor tells me to go ahead with all the exercise!

 

[booger73]

Exercise as much as you can.. it isn't going to affect (worsen) the MVR.. probably will help your BP and heart compliance in the long run and actually make it better.. only worry if your BP gets worse or symptoms (unusual SOB/DOE)

Take 10 people walking around off the street and half may actually have some minimal/trivial MVR (or TR) that's so totally trivial clinically.. this is what we get when we have such technology (i.e. too much) .. you just 'know' that you have it now.. who knows how 'long' you've had it even. (probably a while)

 

[Jerseylicious]

Exercise as much as you can.. it isn't going to affect (worsen) the MVR.. probably will help your BP and heart compliance in the long run and actually make it better.. only worry if your BP gets worse or symptoms (unusual SOB/DOE)

Take 10 people walking around off the street and half may actually have some minimal/trivial MVR (or TR) that's so totally trivial clinically.. this is what we get when we have such technology (i.e. too much) .. you just 'know' that you have it now.. who knows how 'long' you've had it even. (probably a while)

I was wondering how long I've had it also. I've had echos in '97 and in '01. No sign of MVR then. I have low blood pressure, which is good I guess. Well not 'low' but, 'good' blood pressure, always around 110/70.

Basically what I want the cardiologist to do, is to a stress test. I've had nuclear ones before that came out normal. But I want them to run my butt off in their office and make sure things are running right while I'm chuggin ont he treadmill lol. Once that is done, then I'll feel better about working out hard at the gym still. I'm getting the vibe that it's really not that big a deal, which is good.

 

[SeaSpray]

I was wondering how long I've had it also. I've had echos in '97 and in '01. No sign of MVR then. I have low blood pressure, which is good I guess. Well not 'low' but, 'good' blood pressure, always around 110/70.

Basically what I want the cardiologist to do, is to a stress test. I've had nuclear ones before that came out normal. But I want them to run my butt off in their office and make sure things are running right while I'm chuggin ont he treadmill lol. Once that is done, then I'll feel better about working out hard at the gym still. I'm getting the vibe that it's really not that big a deal, which is good.

I think that's a good idea. I don't think that the average people walking around work out at the gym to the degree that you do, so better to be sure that your extra exertion will be ok!