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Question:

Does mitral valve prolapse prohibit weight lifting or running?

I have Mitral Valve Prolapse. I want to start getting in shape. Can I lift weights or run?

submitted by Mike, from Atlanta, Georgia, 2/3/09

Answer:  
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, J. Alberto Lopez, MD 

Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor

It depends less on the mitral prolapse and more on the severity of any mitral valve insufficiency (leaking) that may be present. Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are probably okay for the large majority of persons, even with some valvular insufficiency. On the other hand, weight lifting, squatting and any exercise that significantly increases the abdominal and thoracic pressures should be avoided.

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Heart Information Center services are made possible in part by a generous gift from the Hamill Foundation.
Updated February 2009
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Through this community outreach program, staff members of the Texas Heart Institute (THI) provide educational information related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It is not the intention of THI to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided and THI urges you to visit a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your questions.
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