Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP or MVPS) is a common heart murmur that commonly affects thyroid disease patients but there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can reduce or eliminate the symptoms. I address the symptoms of this disorder in the article entitled; “Basics about Mitral Valve Prolapse”, found in “Related Conditions” but I’ll briefly list those again. The symptoms (syndrome) include; rapid heart rate, heart skips and flip-flops, dizziness upon standing, anxiety, depression and chemical sensitivities.

What are the treatments for Mitral Valve Prolapse? According to statistics this common heart condition that affects as much as 20% of the U.S. population, usually requires no medical treatment because most patients do not experience significant symptoms (MVP-Syndrome). For the majority of those who do experience symptoms, they also do not require an actual pharmaceutical treatment but when a Doctor does prescribe a drug, it will usually be a “Beta-Blocker”. This drug, blocks the effects of the hormone “adrenaline”, thereby controlling the rapid heart rate, the disregulated blood pressure and the anxiety symptoms.

More severe cases of MVPS, which are rare, sometimes require surgery but for the majority of patients, symptoms are controlled through diet, exercise and natural supplements.

The diet aspect would be, to avoid stimulants in your diet (caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, stress and chocolate) that can be triggers for MVPS symptoms. Also a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is always a good idea. Also a good multi-vitamin helps the body’s systems operate at a more optimal level. MVP patients should also take a “magnesium” supplement (mineral that helps with heart function) but need to have their magnesium level checked (mineral analysis) to see how much they need to be taking and only take the recommended amount.

Exercise is also greatly helpful in regulating the “Involuntary Nervous System” (involved in heart function), as well as the heart rate, blood-pressure and anxiety symptoms. It can also help reduce stress that can contribute to symptoms. Exercise can be of more benefit than any other single factor but a patient must pace their self and only exercise at their tolerance-level, then increase that level as they are able. Walking is a great way to begin an exercise program and even if you only increase the distance and/or briskness of your walk over time, the benefits can be tremendous.

MVP/MVPS is a common but treatable condition.