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Question:
Should I see a cardiologist for mild mitral valve prolapse and diastolic dysfunction?
A recent echocardiogram showed that I have mild mitral valve prolapse and mild diastolic dysfunction. My internist who is usually overly concerned about small test results doesn't seem to think this is of concern. Should I ask to see a cardiologist? I am 71 and every one of my older relatives died of heart disease.
submitted Betty Jo from Camarillio, California on 1/25/2013
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Patrick J. Cook, MD
Neither of those conditions, as described, is apt to be threatening in the short run. Mitral prolapse is unlikely ever to be a significant problem for you in your demographic, and diastolic dysfunction without symptoms is not generally treated per se. If it's due to hypertension, then anti-hypertensives are given. All that said, you still, if you wish, have the right to ask for a second opinion from a cardiologist. [In our Center for Women's Heart Health referenced below, you may find many articles of interest, in particular, a recent issue of "Straight Talk" addressing MVP.]
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Updated January 2013
