MVP and Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported by people with mitral valve prolapse syndrome. Fatigue is the feeling of extreme sluggishness or exhaustion, which often involves muscle weakness and can bring about challenges in performing even basic tasks. It is comparable to the tired and achy feeling you have when you have the flu; however, fatigue can last longer and recur more often. In a study of almost 2000 patients conducted by Dr. Philip Watkins in 1997 92 patients reported fatigue as their most common complaint. Fatigue can hit your body even if you may not ha ..read more

Mitral valve prolapse syndrome related headaches Most research done to date found that men and women with mitral valve prolapse syndrome have a greater likelihood of suffering from headaches than the general population. Types of headaches There are several types of headaches that can be caused by mitral valve prolapse syndrome. Tensions headaches being the most common. This affects both sides of the head and is usually a steady, dull ache rather than a throbbing one. It may also be chronic, occurring frequently or sometimes even daily. Cluster headaches are generally uncommon and affect m ..read more

Is a leaky heart valve serious? Is a leaky heart valve serious? Will it kill you? How long can you live with a leaky heart valve? If you have valve regurgitation or you know somebody who does, these questions have probably crossed your mind. After all, it is a heart condition. Heart valve regurgitation occurs when blood flows back through one of the heart valves when the heart contracts. The problem, which can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time, can be serious, yet that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the valve leakage is minor and requires little to no treatment. Other times, t ..read more

Why heart valve problems and shortness of breath? Heart valve problems and shortness of breath (dyspnea) often occur together. As a matter of fact, trouble breathing is one of the most common symptoms of heart valve disease. It is also one of the most frightening and disturbing. Feeling short of breath after strenuous physical exercise or activity is normal. But, when light activities cause breathing difficulties and/or one experiences unprovoked dyspnea, heart valve problems could be the underlying cause. Dyspnea from valve problems often presents as shortness of breath with exertion. Many pe ..read more

Should you worry about mitral valve prolapse symptoms worsening? Fortunately, the majority of people living with MVP do not experience symptoms or problems. However, mitral prolapse can be symptomatic, and some sufferers may find their mitral valve prolapse symptoms worsening over time. Existing MVP symptoms can become more frequent or intense, or new disturbing symptoms may occur. Symptoms may worsen with certain physical activities, in particular weather conditions, or when the body is in specific positions. Should you be concerned if you have worsening mitral valve prolapse symptoms? Worsen ..read more

Do you know which foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse? Mitral valve prolapse symptoms can be bothersome and frustrating. Sometimes, they can be downright scary. Chest pains, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, anxiety… all very common. Then, there’s also the risk of developing complications. The good news is that MVP isn’t usually dangerous. Most patients have treatment options, and mitral prolapse symptoms can often be controlled. Just eliminating certain foods from one’s diet can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Yes, it will mean giving up some of the things th ..read more

Is alcohol bad for mitral valve prolapse? A lot of people like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two after work or have a few drinks when out in social settings. For most men and women, this is fine, but when you have mitral valve prolapse, it is best to avoid drinking any kind of alcohol. While consuming alcohol in moderation may provide health benefits for some individuals, even light drinking with MVP can have adverse effects. Apart from triggering or worsening unpleasant MVP symptoms, it can cause dangerous complications. The truth is, alcohol consumption is terrible if you have symptomati ..read more

What is left atrial enlargement? What is left atrial enlargement? When the upper left chamber of the heart, the left atrium, increases in size, this is known as left atrial enlargement. Enlargement of the left atrium is also called left atrial dilation. It is a type of cardiomegaly. The heart contains four chambers – two atria and two ventricles – and four valves. These components work together to pump blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues. Left atrial enlargement disrupts this pumping process. So, what does it mean to have a left atrial enlargement? It means that ..read more

What is the endocardium? What is the endocardium? The heart’s endocardium is a smooth tissue layer that lines its chambers. One of three layers making up the heart wall, the thin membrane covers the left atrium, the right atrium, the left ventricle, and the right ventricle. In addition to lining the atria and the ventricles, the endocardium covers and forms the surface of the four heart valves. The valves of the heart are the mitral (bicuspid) valve, the aortic valve, the tricuspid valve, and the pulmonary (pulmonic) valve. The other two heart wall layers are the myocardium and ..read more

Is mitral valve prolapse life threatening? Is mitral valve prolapse life threatening? Normally, it isn’t. For a lot of people living with a mitral valve that prolapses, the condition is benign and does not cause problems. Most individuals with MVP do not even know that they have the disorder. That being said, there are different types of mitral valve prolapse. Some are more dangerous and can lead to serious complications. Sometimes, MVP complications can result in death. Rarely, a mitral prolapse may even cause sudden death. Classic MVP is the type of mitral prolapse most likely to cause deadl ..read more