HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Excessive Sweating In A Person With Mitral Valve Prolapse?

default
Posted on Fri, 22 Jan 2016
Question: I am 66, and have a mild mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation. Last night I awoke in a sweat with pulse rate of 140 that lasted for one hour. I have mild chest pains this morning. Should I be concerned.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hello XXXXXXX

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

- I understand your concern, and would like to explain that:

(1) Individuals with mitral valve prolapse are more susceptible to higher rates of cardiac arrhythmic events, like paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial extrasystoles, and even ventricular extrasystoles or ventricular tachycardia.

Sometimes just even sinus tachycardia may be the reason of the increased heart rate especially in the settings of an anxiety bout like a nightmare.

Frequently the above mentioned arrhythmic events occur without any perceptions by the patient.

(2) Regarding your mild chest pain, it seems to be directly connected to that persistent tachycardia, because higher heart rates produce increased myocardial demand for oxygen supply and hence a stressful cardiac condition.

Nevertheless, other times cardiac ischemia may show with arrhythmia as its primary clinical presentation.

- Coming to this point I recommend you to consult without delay an ER doctor for a fast medical check up: a careful physical exam, a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, Troponin) to exclude any important cardiac ischemia changes.

If the unpleasant feeling of palpitations (fast heart rate) has been recurrent, it is advisable to perform an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring (Holter) for investigating the possibility of frequent asymptomatic arrhythmic events.

Once you have performed the recommended medical checkup and everything has concluded OK (ECG and cardiac enzymes), after scheduling Holter test, I would say that the only issue to specially consider is the regular cardiac ECHO follow up every 1-2 years for investigating possible progression of that mild mitral regurgitation.

- Mitral valve prolapse is not a rare echocardiographic finding; so you shouldn't worry about that.

Just be careful before performing any invasive procedures (tooth extraction, endoscopy, surgery, etc.) to apply antibiotics prophylaxis for endocarditis; and also treat vigorously any acute infections.

You need to talk with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.

Hope to have been helpful to you.

In case of further uncertainties, feel free to ask me at any time!

Wishing you the best for the New Year!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Excessive Sweating In A Person With Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! - I understand your concern, and would like to explain that: (1) Individuals with mitral valve prolapse are more susceptible to higher rates of cardiac arrhythmic events, like paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial extrasystoles, and even ventricular extrasystoles or ventricular tachycardia. Sometimes just even sinus tachycardia may be the reason of the increased heart rate especially in the settings of an anxiety bout like a nightmare. Frequently the above mentioned arrhythmic events occur without any perceptions by the patient. (2) Regarding your mild chest pain, it seems to be directly connected to that persistent tachycardia, because higher heart rates produce increased myocardial demand for oxygen supply and hence a stressful cardiac condition. Nevertheless, other times cardiac ischemia may show with arrhythmia as its primary clinical presentation. - Coming to this point I recommend you to consult without delay an ER doctor for a fast medical check up: a careful physical exam, a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, Troponin) to exclude any important cardiac ischemia changes. If the unpleasant feeling of palpitations (fast heart rate) has been recurrent, it is advisable to perform an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring (Holter) for investigating the possibility of frequent asymptomatic arrhythmic events. Once you have performed the recommended medical checkup and everything has concluded OK (ECG and cardiac enzymes), after scheduling Holter test, I would say that the only issue to specially consider is the regular cardiac ECHO follow up every 1-2 years for investigating possible progression of that mild mitral regurgitation. - Mitral valve prolapse is not a rare echocardiographic finding; so you shouldn't worry about that. Just be careful before performing any invasive procedures (tooth extraction, endoscopy, surgery, etc.) to apply antibiotics prophylaxis for endocarditis; and also treat vigorously any acute infections. You need to talk with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues. Hope to have been helpful to you. In case of further uncertainties, feel free to ask me at any time! Wishing you the best for the New Year! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri