What are the chances of mitral valve regurgitation progressing?
January 29th, 2010 | by The Doc |
Abigail asked:
I am asking this for a friend of mine…her comp. does not work.
I am asking this for a friend of mine…her comp. does not work.
Okay, so she was diagnosed with MR and it’s mild now. But she’s still young. She’s 13, going to be 14 in May. She also has hypertension and arrhthymias. Is it likely to progress? She also said that the doctor report said to watch out for MVP.
3 Responses to “What are the chances of mitral valve regurgitation progressing?”
By inzanium on Jan 30, 2010 | Reply
MR can progress over time, slowly but certainly get worse.
Usually its something that can be monitored, when it gets severe, symptoms can include blackouts, worstening arrythmias, worstening hypertension, chest pains, trouble breathing, trouble lying flat, waking up breathless, and leg edema.
She should have active followup by a physician, every 1-2 years.
Eventually the option is open heart surgery where a prosthetic valve is inserted. It certainly can help but means a lifetime of medication (to prevent bloodclots)
By Carly on Jan 30, 2010 | Reply
It could and it could not. it may get worse if you put a lot of stress on your heart, and the arrhythmias and hypertension may progress it a bit faster. but you wont really know. Im 16, and i was diagnosed with Aortic Regurgitation at 10, and it hasnt really gotten any worse, on top of that i have Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve and an enlarged aorta, and the regurgitation hasnt gotten any worse. so you never really can determine that.
Good luck with everything
By Mel on Jan 31, 2010 | Reply
Hi Abigail,
MVP is mitral valve prolapse which is not something critical.
I cannot see any reason why it would progress but your friend will have regular check ups and they will keep an eye on it.
It would help if she cut down on salt in her diet. Also it may be necessary for her to have antibiotic cover when she goes to the dentist or if she ever has to have a general anaesthetic. Unless she has already been told about this, she should ask her doctor about it.
I wish her well.
Love mel.X