Tachycardia and Mitral Prolaspe?!
Question: I'm a 60 year old female. I've had irregular heart beat for quite some time. Which I told my doctor about but he pretty much dismissed me. During a sleep study I had an episode of tachycardia. The doctor wanted me to have a CT Scan of the heart which came back normal. The doctor says the tachycardia is probably from my mitral prolaspe and that was the end of the visit. Some days I have irregular heart beat off and on all day with chest discomfort. Are there any other test I should have done? Do I have to live with this? It's really disturbing and uncomfortable. I understand much tachycardia is not dangerous but I'm just not convinced. Should I be doing something else or get a second opinion? Please help. I don't want to be a whiner but I'm so uncomfortable.
Answers: I'm a 60 year old female. I've had irregular heart beat for quite some time. Which I told my doctor about but he pretty much dismissed me. During a sleep study I had an episode of tachycardia. The doctor wanted me to have a CT Scan of the heart which came back normal. The doctor says the tachycardia is probably from my mitral prolaspe and that was the end of the visit. Some days I have irregular heart beat off and on all day with chest discomfort. Are there any other test I should have done? Do I have to live with this? It's really disturbing and uncomfortable. I understand much tachycardia is not dangerous but I'm just not convinced. Should I be doing something else or get a second opinion? Please help. I don't want to be a whiner but I'm so uncomfortable.
There has been a long published association between mitral valve prolapse and palpitations. However, in the US mitral valve prolapse tends to be rather significantly over diagnosed and if there is really minimal mitral valve prolapse, this may be a red herring.
In the past physicians have tended to use mild mitral valve prolapse as a convenient blame-it-all, because it is not harmful, as long as the mitral valve does not leak significantly. Moreover, the types of rhythm disturbances associated withnit are also benign (if annoying and distressing). If the mitral valve does leak significantly this can put strain on the heart, especially the left atrium and this can cause rhythm disturbances, most commonly atrial fibrillation.
In Europe, we have tended not to believe the association of mild mitral valve prolapse with palpitations as there are often a variety of other causes.
For you, two things need to be established.
1. What type of rhythm disturbance was this?
2. Is the heart otherwise normal?
To find out what type of rhythm disturbance it was, you need to catch it on an EKG and I have to say that the vast majority of them are benign ie will not damage you or your heart. Once you know what type of rhythm disturbance it is your cardiologist will be able to recommend treatment which may range from nothing, to medication, to a procedure called an ablation.
To find out if your heart is otherwise normal. You need an ultrasound scan of the heart otherwise known as an Echo or Echocardiogram.
Somtimes, angina can cause rhythm disturbances and if there is suspicion of this a cardiologist may recommend an angiogram (also known as a cardiac catheterisation) or a CT.
Hope this helps.
First and foremost you arent a whiner. I would ask to see a cardiologist. Your physician is probably correct, that it is nothing, but for YOUR piece of mind, go and see a cardiologist.
I know how you feel! I've had mitral valve prolapse for years.A few months ago,my palpitations were driving me crazy,even keeping me from sleeping.It felt like my heart was going to stop! My doctor put me on Metoprolol,which is a Beta Blocker,and it really helps.I still have the occasional odd beat,but I feel a 100% better.Ask your doctor about prescribing it for you.It's very inexpensive,and I have had no side effects at all.Also,make sure you get enough magnesium,potassium and calcium in your diet,and a low dose aspirin is a good idea,too. Good luck,and I hope you feel better.It's a very unsettling feeling.
I am 60 too.....and let me tell you that you need to either go back to your current cardiologist or another one and make sure they give you the proper tests to fully check out your heart. An echocardiogram should be done and a stress test, and perhaps a catherization should be done. These days you have to be your own advocate of your health. You know what you feel and you need to MAKE them listen!