Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome: A Patient's Perspective

This book offers information about diagnosis, symptom self-help, panic & anxiety, personal stories, & much more - from the unique perspective of a patient - instead of a medical professional.

Foreword

There is a vast collection of medical literature available regarding the entity known as mitral valve prolapse and the multiple symptoms that are often associated with it. Many of these texts fall short of providing a sound explanation as to why these symptoms occur and why they can be so variable from person to person. Members of the medical profession or members of one of the allied health fields have authored almost all of these resources. That is, until now.

Many of you who are reading this book are doing so because you are in search of answers or some sense of proof that what you are experiencing is real and that you are not crazy. Some of you have sympathetic doctors who are familiar with MVP syndrome and have given you some guidance (you are the fortunate ones) but you still have unanswered questions. The majority of you will be somewhere between these two extremes. You should all find this book to be helpful in understanding your condition and getting on with the business and the pleasure of living your lives.

What makes this book unique is it is written from the patient s perspective and not from the doctor s or researcher s point of view. While this will provide a sense of understanding, it should also raise an element of caution. The reason for this is simple. The truth is that there is a great deal about MVP syndrome that is still unknown. Some symptoms are directly related to the structural problem of a prolapsing valve. Some are thought to be caused by an underlying systemic process (such as a defect in the gene that codes for the production of certain connective tissues throughout the body) that has a prolapsed valve as part of its manifestation. And still some are not well explained at all and may be related to the way a certain individual processes what he or she is experiencing. At this point, I don t think any one individual can have all of your answers patient or physician.

A key point to remember in dealing with MVP is a central message in this book. You are not alone! You should not try to deal with this alone. You, your family, your friends and your physician need to work on this together. This book is an excellent tool to help you understand your situation and guide you toward a better way of coping with it.

I congratulate Lorelei Logsdon on her achievement in completing this book and I wish you all good luck on your quest to better understand your condition.

~Douglas M. Richter, M.D., F.A.C.C.

October 10, 1998