My daughter

[Barbara Stewart]

I'm not sure how to start this. Sometimes I don't get many responses and I am anxious for some good information and advice. I guess I'll just start in. My daughter, who is 25, married, with a year old son (an adorable son), has had panic attacks all her life, but learned very early just to deal with them and they will pass. Right now her life is unbelievably stressful and about two weeks ago she called me, sounding upset, and told me her heart was jumping all over her chest. She had her bp tested by the school nurse (she's a teacher) and it was high. After much urging she finally went to our PCP. She had an echo and just heard the results today. She has "mild mitral regurgitation." Her body typed and other genetics come from me and my side of the family. I have really been afraid of this and I'm on the verge of tears about it. She was very sick during her pregnancy and her bp was so high they had to do a C-section 4 weeks early. My grandson was and is fine.
I don't want to freak her out, but given my history and experience I want her to get excellent treatment and medical supervision now. I think she needs at least bp meds or something to regulate her heart beat now. The PCP just said, through the nurse, to have yearly echos, but nothing about watching her blood pressure.
My question, is should I call my cardio and talk to him and urge my daughter to call him and get an appointment? Am I overreacting? She's so young and isn't assertive with docs. She was with me when I went through my nightmare almost two years ago, but I'm not sure she sees the importance of it now.
You know, when it happened to me it was bad enough, but I just feel sick that she's inherited this from me. She's beautiful, smart, a great mother and a great daughter and this just shouldn't have to happen to her.
Thanks for any advice.
Barbara

 

[PJmomrunner]

Hi Barbara:

I'm sure someone will be along to give you more informed input, but I thought I'd offer my (not very informed) two cents.

I wondered if you were implying a relationship between the mitral valve leakage and the panic attacks because I was vaguely aware that some people with MVP have a constellation of other symptoms that are thought to be related. I headed to PubMed to do (very) little research and came across this:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/..._uids=12607209&query_hl=8&itool=pubmed_docsum

I realize this is just one study, but given your history and the fact that high blood pressure isn't good for anyone, much less someone at risk for valve problems, I think it makes sense for your daughter to be seen by your cardiologist. In my opinion there's no point to seeing a doctor who is unqualified to help with one's problem. (edit: I mean in place of one who can help.) Regardless of what a great PCP your daughter may have already seen, a cardiologist is required to fully assess her situation--I can't imagine a PCP who wouldn't understand her concern.

Of course I understand why you might fear your daughter is following in your medical footsteps, but it's quite possible she is not. Your cardiologist can offer the added qualification of completely understanding her concerns in the context of your history and his/her assurances and recommendations can be met with a higher degree of confidence, which I would think would help your daughter to not freak out. Even if your daughter is going down your same cardiac road, perhaps early assessment and superior medical management can offer her a better outcome.

All the best to both of you.

 

[Karlynn]

Yes, get her to a cardiologist. It is often more stressful to try and downplay symptoms and such, thus causing more problems. As we both know, panic attacks are very "mitral valve-ish". I had a lot of them prior to my MVR. Let her know that finding out specifically what is going on, seeking any type of Rx treatment to help out, and getting annual check-ups is a way of taking power over your situation. Panic attacks make us feel like we have not control - she can take control back.

Best wishes.

 

[Phyllis]

Barbara, if it were my daughter, I would by all means pressure her to see either your cardio or another one that she trusts. Knowing is better than ignoring and hopefully she will get the blood pressure under control and have no problems with the valve. Maybe you can convince her that it is for your peace of mind as well as hers.

 

[geebee]

Most of us with MV problems also suffer from panic attacks. I had panic attacks long before my MV issues were diagnosed but I didn't know they were panic attacks.

She should be seen by a cardio and will then be able to be treated properly.

 

[aussiemember]

I have MVP and have always had what I was told were panic attacks where my heart raced and I felt like I was going to faint. 3 years ago, a new cardiologist I went to told me that he had often found links between this happening and Mitral vavle problems and sent me to a electrophysilogist (sp??) (cardiologist specialising in rhythm problems). He performed an ablation (which I do realise is not without risks) and I have not had any since. It has made me wonder whether people with MVP or mitral problems who have panic attacks may have underlying heart problems that cause them?? Who knows?? But just thought I would let you know my story if it would be of any help

 

[susieq14]

Hi Barbara,

I have mitral regurgitation but do not have MVP (says my cardiologist) and I would urge your daughter to definitely see a cardiologist for two reasons:

#1 when my PCP called me and told me I MR, she gave me the name of a cardio to see and called in a prescription to CVS for antibiotics to take before dental appointments. I have read that is very important for people with heart murmurs and MR so that might be something that your daughter needs. If the PCP didn't suggest antiobiotics, then he/she is not on the stick in my opinion.

#2 At my first cardio consult he immediately put me on blood pressure medicine because I was running in the 150/high 90's range. He started me at 5 mg lisinopril in august 04,then upped it to 10 in May 05 and I am now taking 20 mg since Dec 05. So perhaps your daughter should be taking BP meds.

I wish you and your daughter all the best as you deal with this new problem.