Mitral Valve Prolapse The mitral valve is one of the four valves of the heart. Normally, stringlike cords keep the mitral valve from opening too far. Sometimes these cords are too long, allowing the valve to open excessively when the heart beats. Most people with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) never have any symptoms. Some develop dull chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) response. When MVP causes these symptoms it is referred to as “dysautonomia” syndrome.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: People with dysautonomia symptoms should avoid stressful situations and work on techniques for coping with stress.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: In people who have dysautonomia, low salt intake may be part of the problem. Therefore, unless there is another health problem (such as high blood pressure) that is worsened by high salt intake, people with MVP should not restrict the amount of salt in the diet.
1Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Magnesium deficiency has been proposed as one cause of MVP.
2 A large study found that many patients with MVP are low in magnesium, and taking 600 mg of magnesium one to three times each day improved symptoms and the underlying problems in MVP compared to placebo.3 Anyone taking more than 600 mg of magnesium per day should first talk to a nutritionally oriented doctor.Coenzyme Q10 has been used for MVP as well. A study in children found that coenzyme Q10 supplementation could improve one measure of MVP.
4 An investigation of adults with MVP used 60 mg of coenzyme Q10 three to four times per day and found an improvement in symptoms and a reduction in heart wall thickness5 (increased heart wall thickness is a sign that the heart is working too hard).Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual supplement for complete information.) Taking too much magnesium often leads to diarrhea. Occasionally, this can happen at doses as low as 350–500 mg per day. Excessive magnesium intake is more serious, but it is rarely caused by magnesium supplements. People with kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without consulting a physician.
Congestive heart failure patients taking coenzyme Q10 should not abruptly discontinue taking supplements without first consulting a physician.
Checklist for Mitral Valve Prolapse
Nutritional Supplements
Herbs
Homeopathic Remedies
Magnesium No herbs commonly used for this condition No homeopathy commonly used for this condition
References:
1. Frederickson L. Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome. New York: Warner Books, 1992.
2. Galland LD, Baker SM, McLellan RK. Magnesium deficiency in the pathogenesis of mitral valve prolapse. Magnesium 1986;5:165–74.
3. Lichodziejewska B, Klos J, Rezler J, et al. Clinical symptoms of mitral valve prolapse are related to hypomagnesemia and attenuated by magnesium supplementation. Am J Cardiol 1997;79:768–72.
4. Oda T, Hamamoto K. Effect of coenzyme Q10 on the stress-induced decrease of cardiac performance in pediatric patients with mitral valve prolapse. Jpn Circ J 1984;48:1387.
5. Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen PH, Folkers K. Isolated diastolic dysfunction of the myocardium and its response to coQ10 treatment. Clin Invest 1993;71(suppl):s140–44.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.