According to this well-written, informative book, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is believed to affect from between 15% to 25% of the general population and is more common in females than in males. About 40% of people with this mild and usually benign abnormality in the mitral heart valve will experience a mild imbalance in their involuntary nervous system called “dysautonomia.” This is the aspect of the disorder that is believed to be responsible for symptoms (syndrome) experienced in some patients with MVP.
Symptoms
When symptoms are experienced, the condition is referred to as “Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome” (MVPS). The symptoms that may occur include those in the following list.
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Skipped heart beats, flutters or flip-flops (palpitations)
- Fatigue and intolerance for physical activity
- Dizziness when first standing or after standing for long periods (postural hypotension)
- Anxiety and panic symptoms and/or depression
Some MVPS patients experience all of these symptoms, while others may only experience two or three of them. If at least two symptoms are not present, the condition will likely not be diagnosed as a syndrome but as simple MVP heart murmur.
About the Authors
This book was authored by a brother and sister team, James and Cheryl Durante, both of whom are MVPS patients, who have researched the disorder with the help of an MD - John G. Furiasse, Medical Director of a Heart Care Center in Illinois and co-author of the book. Their research has helped them to develop a plan for MVPS patients that will help them to achieve symptom-relief and to regain an improved quality of life.
Treatments Addressed in the Book
The treatments discussed in the book include those for both physical and emotional symptoms. Medications and supplements that are commonly prescribed to treat blood-pressure abnormalities and heart arrhythmias are given attention in the book, as well as suggestions on how MVP patients can develop proper exercise programs at a proper pace and tolerance level. Suggestions for diet improvements and avoidance of stimulants is also included.
Deep-breathing and relaxation techniques are also discussed that can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic, as well as therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy that are often successful in treating co-occurring cases of anxiety and/or depression.
The fellow-patient perspective by the authors adds an interesting aspect to this book. It is an informative read for those who are experiencing symptoms of MVPS and who are seeking methods that can help them to better-cope and possibly to resolve their symptoms completely over time.
Cited Sources:
The Society for Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome/Dysautonomia
John G. Furiasse, M.D., F.A.C.C.
(Special thanks to the authors for a free review copy.)
Jim Lowrance - James M. (Jim) Lowrance has authored over 100 book and ebook publications since year 2004.
