Mitral Regurgitation

[lionhearted]

I'm female/48 years old and I feel like I'm 90. I have two main symptoms: crushing debilitating fatigue and chest tightness. About a year ago I went to a cardiologist and was told I had MVP but the doc said it was very common and not to worry about it. Also I had alot of calcium build up in the arteries. The docs advice was to exercise, watch my diet, take lipitor, etc because I had risk factors for heart disease (family history of heart problems, history of smoking etc). The fatigue and chest tightness has gotten much worse in the past year--it's almost unbearable now.I have no stamina. After a full nights sleep I wake up in the morning with fatigue and this heaviness in the chest, and some shortness of breath. I have been exploring other possible causes of the fatigue (I have tested positive for Epstein-Barr in the past) and recently tested positive for rhematoid arthritis (but have no joint pain at all). My questiion is: to what extent is MVP related to the chronic symptoms I've been experiencing?

[heartdoc]

( I'm female/48 years old and I feel like I'm 90 ) ..... I just wanted to remind you and every one that women don't have typical heart symptoms and it can fool doctors too )

(I have two main symptoms: crushing debilitating fatigue and chest tightness. About a year ago I went to a cardiologist and was told I had MVP but the doc said it was very common and not to worry about it) ....... MVP is associated with chest pain but at this age and with other risk factors, I would like to rule out coronary artery blockages especially when you have calcium in the arteries.

(Also I had alot of calcium build up in the arteries. The docs advice was to exercise, watch my diet, take lipitor, etc because I had risk factors for heart disease (family history of heart problems, history of smoking etc). The fatigue and chest tightness has gotten much worse in the past year--it's almost unbearable now.I have no stamina. After a full nights sleep I wake up in the morning with fatigue and this heaviness in the chest, and some shortness of breath)..............
1. Consider having ECHOCARDIOGRAM with your local physician to make sure heart pump is strong, make sure murmur pf MVP is not getting bigger. Weakness of the heart muslce can causee fatigue.
2. Discuss with your cardiologist to have stress nuclear testing to rule out obstruction of the blood flow in the coronary arteries. This test is to address your chest pain/heaviness. Make sure your morning blood pressure is not staying high.
3. Life style modification is a life long process which every one should do it.

(I have been exploring other possible causes of the fatigue (I have tested positive for Epstein-Barr in the past) and recently tested positive for rhematoid arthritis (but have no joint pain at all). My questiion is: to what extent is MVP related to the chronic)

1. Other reason for fatigue is anemia and thyroid condition. Make sure to have blood tests for both.
2. Many people have chest pain because of GERD but first, I would make sure heart is okay

[lvandyke]

Go back for more test...
I am 38 and a couple years ago went to the ER with severe chest pain. Diagnosed with PVC's. My then Cardiologist (SC) told me not to worry (he never listened to my heart. Went solely on ER documents.) Even though both parents deceased at ages 44 and 58 of massive heart attacks. he told me I was to young for heart disease and since menopause wasn't a factor yet just deal with the PVC's.

A few months ago I noticed increased extreme tiredness, chest discomfort and more migranes along with the increase in my blood pressure. For some reason I decided to see a Cardiologist here in NC. After a brief description of my history and complaint of the day (rise in BP) he listened to my heart. What a concept! He asked if my old cardio had mentioned a murmor or click. I explained how he never listened to my heart. He then stated "that SOB". He immediately ordered a nuclear test, halter monitor, stess test followed by and echo. I go back in on Tuesday to find out the results.
I did my research before these test and learned a few things on my own. The lady doing the echo answered my questions when I seen the regurgitation of my mitral and tricuspid valve. So I know that is going on.

I have to tell you it is very frieghtening. I have a 7 year old and can't afford the tiredness that I have been experiencing. Scared of what he will state on Tuesday... Get a second look and demand more test!