Submitted by Dr T on November 4, 2011 – 8:15am
Hi Hallie,
Most people with Mitral valve Prolapse (MVP) have no symptoms, however, those who do commonly complain of symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, anxiety, and migraine headaches. Your high blood pressure is unrelated to MVP, but if present, needs to be treated. All hypertension treatments (whatever the cause) need to include some lifestyle modifications and that alone may be enough in your case!
After a lifetime working as a cardiac surgeon, I have never heard of “sternal arthritis”! Do you experience pain when you touch or push a particular area? If so, you may have a condition called “costochondritis“. If you complete this questionnaire, I’ll be be able to analyze your complaints a little better.
Hope this helps,
Dr T