Question about Mitral Valve Prolapse - Heart Disorders Message Board

dad22 · 03-11-2008, 11:05 AM

I was wondering if anyone knows if MVP is a congenital disorder or can you develope it over time?

I have had the 24 hour Holter monitor about four years ago and about 15 years ago had an ECG. Would MVP show up on an EKG or 24 hour monitor? When I had the Holter, the Cardiologist mentioned pvc's, but never sent me for any other tests. I have read that an ECG is the only way to diagnos MVP. Is this true?

Thanks.

Timber · 03-11-2008, 03:14 PM

No, the only way to diagnose MVP is with an echocardiogram (called an echo for short). An echo is exactly like the tests used to see a fetus in a pregnant woman. They use ultrasound to visualize your heart structure as it beats.

An EKG, on the other hand, measures the electrical impulses in your heart. Since MVP doesn't typically cause electrical changes, an EKG can not be diagnostic.

hopesprings2 · 03-11-2008, 03:39 PM

they look at the heart on a thing that looks like a ultra sound
to see MVP
Usally that doesnt bother people in there life
some it does
Do you feel odd beats or something? If so you need to remind your doctor .
It does tend to run in families
I do not have it but many of my family does and some of there children