I recently found out that I have Mitral Valve Regurgitation. This is after being told years ago that I had Mitral Valve Prolapse WITHOUT regurgitation. So, now I'm totally confused. The PA who gave me the results said that I don't have Prolapse. Can you have Regurgitation without prolapse and can prolapse go away and be replaced by regurgitation? Or is one of the doctors I've seen mistaken?? Both diagnoses were made after echocardiograms were done.

To confuse matters further, I need to have an endoscopy of my upper GI tract. From what I've read and been told, you need to have antibiotic prophylaxis whenever there is regurgitation but I'm not sure if this procedure is one of the ones that needs it. The GI doctor says I don't need it, but he isn't a cardiologist so I'm not sure I trust his answer. Unfortunately, I was told that my regurgitation is very mild so I don't need to see a cardiologist so I haven't been able to ask an expert.

Does anyone have any experience with this or know how I can find the most up-to-date protocols? Any information on this that anyone can provide would be much appreciated.

Hi debbie,

To give you some perspective, there are cords (not the med term) attached to the leaflets. The leaflets should close ("seal") the valve opening to prevent blood returning to the upper chamber with each contraction of the pumping chamber.

With prolapse the leaflets are pressured back into the upper chamber with each contraction. Often the cause is elongated chords or heart muscle damage to the wall of the heart where the cords attach. This would be an example of the cause for MVR and the degree of the disorder would depend on the underlying cause.

One would need an antibiotic if a procedure involved bleeding; it is commonly used with dental procedures. I have moderate MVR, and the doc gave me a card to show that his directions are for antibiotics with dentistry, etc. Without an antibiotic, there could develop an infection.

If MVG is mild, it is not usually necessary for an antibiotic. Your trust should be whether or not MVR is more than just mild at any given time now or in the future post a medical exam that saw a mild condition but has now advanced to a more serious condition.

Hi Debbie,
I have mnitral reguratation for years without prolaspe. I do not know how they tell if it is mild, moderate or what. I know my excursion was 2.3, hope someone can answer in what catagory this falls.I know on my paper it is within normal range, but not sure if the excursion rate is used to measure the reguratation.

I recently had a a colonostopy and the Endo said I did not need to take ab's. Everytime I take the large dose before the dentist I end up with stomach pains for days.

I recently read an article in our paper that they are now thinking that the ab's are more dangerous to take than getting infection. They say to watch for temp etc after dental work and if this happens get to your Dr. asp to go on ab's.

Linda

Hi Debbie
I've had Mitral Valve Prolapse for about 25 yrs now. I never had a problem with reguritation until about 4 yrs ago, when that first happened I thought I was having a heart attack, but after a round of stress tests, EKG'S and echocardigram heart attack was ruled out.
I was told years ago that whenever I had any type of surgery to take anitbiotic at least 2 weeks before and two weeks afterwords. This is especially important while having any dental work done.

I've also had aheart Cath done after a stress test came back "negataive" and the only thing the cath showed was very small arteries, and yes I did watch it and the cardio actually pointed out my mitral valve and he pointed out when it was prolapsing.

I've had a pretty normal life up unitl 4 yrs ago when the regurtitation started, but after a round with the caradio, and getting myself on a heart healthy diet, and regular excercising I'm starting to get that noramllacy back once again.

Quick questions for you guys.

Did any of you experience severe shortness of breath to the point of near losing conciousness, weakness, a general feeling of just being sick, not feeling well, pain in the chest area.

I ask because I was diagnosed With MVP with regurgitation when I was 18 years old after a echo at the University of Pennsylvania. This was after YEARS of having trouble breathing when I was laying down to the point i had to sleep sitting up or else I couldnt breathe.It came and went. I had that problem since I was 11. When my doc explained what was going on, blood backflowing because my valve wasnt closing right, he said it was no big deal, it was very common and not to worry about it.

He never told me I needed antibitoics before every dental procedure. He simply wrote Heart murmur and sent me home. I went 10 years dealing with rapid heartbeats, paused heart beats ect, but with no severe discomfort, until 4 months ago when I got 2 teeth pulled. I took antibitoics AFTER the procedure but not before.

2 weeks after that is when the attacks happened. Id go from feeling fine, to suddendly not feeling well, to it getting worse, I'm breathing but Im not getting air, im gonna pass out, I cant breathe. It passed. With each attack taking me longer to recover from.

I have had 3 more attacks like this in the last 3 months, the most recent was 2 days ago and I truly thought this was the end. I was so weak after it stopped, and remained ill for the next couple days. Just sitting here typing this is a chore.

I have a appointment with my GP set for this friday afternoon @ 2:30pm.

You guys sound like you turned out okay, did you have any of those symptoms with your attacks?

I have never had an 'attack' as you describe. I've had the skipped heartbeat thing and some rapid heartbeats and mild chest pain.
From all that I've read, you need to take the antibiotics BEFORE the dental procedure when you have regurgitation. Plain MVP without regurg, you don't need it.

If I were you, I would see a cardiologist due to your recent symptoms. MVP puts you at higher risk for Endocarditis. I don't want to alarm you and I'm not sure what the symptoms of that condition are but I would get it checked out sooner rather than later. Hopefully you're GP will send you right away to a cardiologist if he/she can't rule it out on their own. You should definitely mention this to them.

Good luck at your appointment and I hope you feel better soon.