Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common heart condition that is usually congenital and often hereditary. It occurs much more often in women than in men and can range in severity from insignificant to life-threatening. It affects the mitral valve and often involves regurgitation of blood backwards through the valve, which causes the trademark sensation of a "skipping beat" or an "extra beat" that many sufferers of this condition experience. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness, severe anxiety, and fainting. While some people with severe mitral valve regurgitation may need surgery to repair the valve, most people with MVP only symptoms that, while startling and sometimes terrifying, are usually not life-threatening.

It's Your Parents' Fault!
Elizabeth: "I have panic disorder that took 18 years to diagnose, along with mitral valve prolapse and severe allergies."

We're looking for writers to share their experiences with mitral valve prolapse. If you live with mild or severe daily symptoms, have undergone mitral valve surgery, or have noticed a connection between MVP and anxiety, we'd love to hear from you.
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