Mitral Regurgitation

[Ren]

I am a 36yr old female with a BMI of 19 and training for my first marathon in December. I went to the Dr. to get a “clean bill of health” to run one since I had some mild chest pain in the early stages of my training. I was told I was mildly anemic and started taking daily iron pills. Since then, I have been feeling terrific in my training. I didn’t feel the need but decided to go ahead and go through with an Echo and Stress test just to be on the safe side. I was shocked and surprised when the Cardiologist indicated that I have a leaky Mitral Valve (mild). He said I was too young for this and is ordering further bloodwork to see if it is related to Lupus Rheumadoid Arthritis, Valve disease etc. The diagnosis hadn’t sunk in at the office for me to ask questions that I have now in hindsight. Am I going to be safe to run a marathon and also with it being under humid conditions as it is in Honolulu? Am I safe to continue my training with my weekly mileage inceasing? I will be running 45 miles a week at my max. How common is this in adults in their 30’s?

[heartdoc]

Mild Mitral Regurgitation: Many people have this findings as normal variation. It is always found like this when you goto doctor for something else and Doc will tell you that you have heart murmur. As long as size of the regurgitation is small and not affecting heart function, I do not see any need to do furhter work up for this type of heart murmur.

Marathon: Your stress echocardiogram was normal. So, it is safe to participate in marathon.

Your Qs :

Am I going to be safe to run a marathon and also with it being under humid conditions as it is in Honolulu? .... MIld MR should not cause any problem.

How common is this in adults in their 30’s? ..... I don't have exact statastics but it's not uncommon to have mild regurgitation.

[ktydid1964]

Hello,
I was diagnosed with Mitral Regurg at the age of 27. I am 43 now. Just recently I have been told the leaky valve has gone from mild to moderate. I am more symptomatic now than I have ever been. I get mild chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, some dizziness and believe it or not panic attacks. The powers that be say Panic and MVP are some how related and I agree because I have done my own research. If your Mitral Regurgitation is mild it should not effect your ability to exercise or run in a marathon. Your Doctor is your best resource for answers. Good luck and know that you are not alone. My grandmother lived to be 84 with the same condition and although she did not run in any marathons she lived a fairly normal life! My Email is [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed] if you want to have someone to talk to. Have a goodnight.

[hotstikx99]

Hi i ama 29 year old female. i have just been diagnosed with mitral regurgitation without prolapse. I am also anxious and very upset at this finding. What i cant understand is how i have regurgitation with mvp? i come to understand that it is prolapse which causes the regurgitation. does anyone know anything about this?

Also i have become scared to exercise now that i have been told i have this problem. I even climbed some stairs the other day and once at the top my heart was thumping this threw me into a panic as i keep think my heart or hear valve will get 'stressed' out and i could be at risk from sudden death ;(

how likely is this do you think?

The fact that you are able to run a marathon still is reassuring and that fact that your grandmother was still alive in her 80s was reassuring

i would like to speak with you if that is ok

many thanks

Dee