Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a heart condition in which the mitral valve doesn't function properly. The symptoms of MVP vary in severity from patient to patient. Many with the condition don't experience any symptoms and don't require any treatment. The other end of the spectrum are the rare cases who need surgery to repair the valve. The ability of patients with MVP to lose weight also varies based on the severity of the symptoms.
People with MVP can lose weight, but need to be aware of their unqiue challenges.
Symptoms
MVP symptoms pose a unique set of challenges to those looking to lose weight. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, sharp chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, lower level of cardiovascular endurance, anxiety, headaches, mood swings and lightheadedness when standing up quickly. Depending on the patient and his overall health, exercise can increase or decrease the severity and intensity of these symptoms.
Exercise and Fatigue
Because excessive fatigue is a symptom of MVP---and a factor that makes the symptoms worse---maintaining an exercise program can be difficult for some. For those with more severe cases, low intensity exercise like walking may be recommended, at least as an exercise program is initiated. If you fall into this category, you should be able to gradually increase your activity level, but may have to lighten the intensity if such symptoms as chest pain or dizziness are experienced.
Some MVP patients have difficulty getting and staying motivated to exercise. They report feeling weak and tiring easily. This may be because MVP impacts the autonomic nervous system that regulates heart rate and breathing. For these individuals, blood is delivered less effectively to oxygen during exercise, especially high intensity exercise, contributing to the sense of fatigue.
For most people with MVP, aerobic exercise is recommended to help alleviate the symptoms. For patients who have difficulty running because their condition causes their heart to function less effectively, alternatives such as bicycling and swimming are suggested. The good news is that studies have indicated that MVP patients who do aerobic exercise regularly report a decline in the symptoms of their condition. Your particular exercise intensity level should be discussed with your doctor.
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration makes the symptoms of MVP worse. Getting plenty of water is that much more important to MPV sufferers, especially if fluid is lost during exercise. Most MVP patients should drink a minimum of 64 oz of non-caffeinated beverages per day. More should be consumed if you're sweating a lot.
Diets
A word hated by many trainers and nutritionists, crash diets should especially be avoided by those with MVP. Because symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, agitation and dizziness, among others, those with MVP should be sure to get a good balance of essential nutrients---and adequate calories to support their overall health.
Diet Pills and Other Medications
Some MVP patients will be put on beta blockers or other medications by their doctors. Consult with your doctor before combining this with any other medications, including over-the-counter diet pills to lose weight. Some of these medications may increase heart palpitations. Also, avoid epinephrine, ephedrine and ephedra, found in some medicines to treat, colds and asthma. Medicines, herbal supplements and foods that claim to support weight loss may also contain these ingredients.
