Recently found out I have Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Diseases & Conditions Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
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Hello.  I'm feeling pretty scared and alone right now.  I am 27 years old, 34 1/2 weeks pregnant and was passing out.  I was sent to a cardiologist by my OB and had a 24 hr holter done, it came back perfect but my sono of my heart revealed that I have mitral valve regurgitation.  I do not yet know to what degree I have it though.  That is the scariest part for me.  My doc was on vacation last week when his nurse called me to break the news to me.  He was booked up solid for this coming week and they won't be able to work me in until the 16th.  SO...until then, I'm a wreck!  I have done my own research online but have came up with very little.  Basically, I know that it will never "go away", it can vary from taking no action at all, to having to take medication, or having to undergo surgery.  I will soon have two young children (both under 2) and I keep wondering why this is happening to me!?  I found this board while doing an online search.  I feel like my husband is totally down playing what I am experiencing right now and I just need someone to talk to.  Thanks so much for listening...
Jessica
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Hi Jessica, I am so sorry for your test result.  It is entirely possible to live a normal and healthy life with Mitral valve regurgitation.  It does depend upon what degree it is and what valve it is of course.  My mother has Mitral Valve Prolapse with 4 of her valves and has significant regurgitation and leaking with all of them the two worst ones are the Mitral and Aortic valve.  She is 51 yrs old and has known of her condition for about 10 yrs now. 

Hang in there until your appointment when your physician can give you more specific information and details regarding your condition and a plan of action for you.  In the mean time, we are here so please do feel free to continue to post.  Take care

Elisha

http://www.healingwell.com/donate


 

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Hi Jessica! I do not have mitral valve prolapse but I recently read a post on The Heart Forum run by Cleveland Clinic Heart Hospital about a pregnant woman who was diagnosed with that and had some question for the cardiologist who answers question on that site. The cardiologist made it sound that it is NOT all that UNUSUAL for a pregnant woman to have that diagnosis around the end or right after her pregnancy I quess it has to do with the extra weight and blood flow due to the pregnancy itself. Anyway I distinctly remember that cardiologist telling this woman that it will all probably clear up a few months after pregnancy. Do not jump to any conclusions at this point and Do not worry. From what I read on that forum you may be putting needless stress on yourself for a condition that may clear up in a few months after pregnancy. I am NOT saying that mitral valve prolapse clears up for others who are diagnosed with this condition outside of pregnancy. It is specific to pregnancy from that I could understand! It would be similar to women who get gestational diabetes. The condition clears up usually after pregnancy. It does not mean that you have diabetes for life. Anyway I wanted to give you some peace of mind if I could. of course be sure to follow up with your doctor and do everything he says but please don't worry until you are absolutely sure you have something to worry about. God Bless!
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Hi Jessica...

Wow what a coincidene (sp) I am 36 weeks pregnant today and i myself have Mitral Valve Prolapse. It is kinda scarey i admit but i have learned to deal with it.. the only thing that i find is that i have alot more of heartburn and heart palps that i am sure most pregnant women have, however i also have GERD ( Acid Reflux Disease) too. I do not take medication for the MVP, as dr said it is mild.. please for the sake of your baby dont stress over being told you have MV.( i know easier said than done) I have read about all of regurgitation/prolapse too and know the options, however most of the time either change of lifestyle, no meds, or meds is required,, surgery is usually a last resort or if its really bad. The way i look at is this... for one.. dr told me on the phone that i had it too (if it was really really serious he wouldnt have), also the dr that i am seeing for my pregnancy and the nurse practioner say its really not that big of a deal.. more people have it than we really think. My husband acts the same as yours, i dont think he knows how to react and doesnt want to think about it.. plus i do have anxiety issues (i think related to this) so he always thinks that i am over reacting. For my diagnosis it was the echocardiogram too,, i had the holter too and all they found was a few benign heart palps so i can totally relate to you,, if you need to talk i am here,,, take care,, hope i have helped a bit.