Posted by Anne Rowthorn on November 17, 2003 at 20:25:46:
In Reply to: Mitral Valve Prolapse and Premature Ventricular Contractions posted by Elizabeth on November 13, 2003 at 16:30:27:
Dear Elizabeth,
I have had both mitral valve prolapse and palpitations of various kinds. The mitral valve prolapse was repaired a year and a half ago when I also had a maze. I am now awaiting an ablation at the Cleveland Clinic which I hope will finally finish off the a-fib.
Yes, a leaking mitral valve can and at some point usually does cause palpitations. Most people live quite well with a leaking mitral valve just so long as it isn't leaking very much. However, if there is regurgitation of blood into the atria at a moderate to heavy rate or if one's heart is beginning to enlarge, that is when a repair needs to be considered. An echo will determine how much the valve is leaking and if your heart is enlarging. So the questions you need to be asking are: How much regurgitation is there? and Has your heart enlarged? If so, how mucch?
I found it important to do my own research (this baord has been immensely helpful) and to get mysef to the best centers where my issues could be addressed, in my case the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. Good luck with the tests.