Mitral regurgitation MVP No symptoms?

[Marty]

Its been known for years one can have severe mitral regurgitation with few or no symptoms. Another good study has come out of Mayo's published in todays NEJM, by Enriquez-Sarano and group who have found an accurate method to measure the regurgitant oriface. They followed 465 patients and in plain English found the longer you let it go the more likely you are to get in to trouble- all kinds of trouble.. I consulted Enriquez-Sarano in 1997 when I was just beginning to develop a few symptoms. He advised immediate surgery and at surgery my valve and the chordae were so screwed up, no repair possible. All patients with MVP and/ or regurg need to be closely monitored and if the regurg oriface is over 40 mm2 consider early surgery. I waited a little too long because I felt so good.Get in early and get a good repair.

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Marty,

Makes sense. At 4+ reguirg I was completely asymptomatic. My husbaand asked the surgeon twice if he was certain I needed surgery. Especially since I had no issues leading a fast paced life.

[catwoman]

There's another thread on this same article and I responded there.
I've e-mailed the researcher, Dr. Maurice Enriquez-Sarano, thanking him for his study.

In case anyone else wants it, his e-mail is: sarano.maurice@mayo.edu

[Wise]

Hi, I'm Wise. I have mitral valve prolapse. It was diagnosed 20 years ago; I'm 45 now. I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve last year. My mitral valve just had a trace of regurgitation last May. Sometimes the more I learn about my two conditions, I get scared. Then, I'm also very thankful for the learning process I'm going through vr.com. Thanks for the info. I'm so hopeful that I don't end up having to have both valves replaced. Doctors have always told me my mitral valve prolapse should never be a problem. I'm learning recently that my not be so. Cardiologist isn't as sure with the BAV, though. He feels certain that at some point I will have to have a valve replacement. But, just a year ago, there weren't any problem with the aortic valve function. Thanks again for the info.