Diastolic Filling Rate

[kitcurious]

Thank you for answering my question.
I had an echocardiogram back in May of 2005 and it showed a redundant mitral valve with a "suggestion" of prolapse. It also had an abnormal diastolic function (0.8, their norm was 1.1-1.5) with a normal (70%) ejection fraction. The initial lab notes said the mitral valve was normal, and the diastolic function was abnormal.
The final report suggested MVP.
I guess I am wondering if it's possible I don't have MVP at all?
If not, would it be possible that the abnormal diastolic function, combined with the normal EF could indicate early stage CHF? My father died at 42 of a heart attack and my 1st cousin passed away suddenly yesterday from his heart(a history of arrhythmia and CHF, he was 50) and I am wondering if my symptoms (I had them before diagnosis) of tachycardia (usually reads 110-140), "skipped beats", fatigue (climbing stairs, for instance, causes palpitations and exertion in general) and daily dizziness are all possibly suggestive of something other than MVP? Is this typical with this diagnosis, with the diastolic function "score" being off as a result of the MVP, or are they assuming the MVP is present due to the diastolic function score?? I had no symptoms before last Fall. I lived with the weirdness for 6 or 7 months before I had the echo.
I am late 30's, of thin build,female, have had excellent health in my adult years and exercise regularly,though my stamina is decreasing, not increasing, as it should.
If it's normal to feel this way then I will just do so,hate Rx's.
Hope I made some sense.

[Cleveland Clinic]

kit,

Dont you know -- curiosity killed the cat.

Its very possible that you dont have mitral prolapse. MVP is very often overcalled on an echocardiogram. With the qulaifier "suggestion" actually written on the report I would question it.  Either way, without any significant regurgitation or the presence of a heart murmmer, it doesnt change your treatment.

Its also possible that your diastolic filling pattern is not abnormal based on your age. Diastolic function is depenant on the way the flow through the valve is measured.

Your real symptoms of palpitations and dizzyness are nonspecific and could be caused by any number of things. With a family history of eary death, a holter monitor would help deliniate what your heart rhythm is doing with these episodes.

Good luck

[kitcurious]

"kit,

Dont you know -- curiosity killed the cat."

Yes, and satisfaction brought him back <wink>
Thank you for your response. I will take your advice about the Holter. Have a Happy New Year !!!!