Combating Mitral Valve Prolapse & Syndrome

Hello my name is Christine Sabol and I have been combating Mitral Valve Prolapse for at least 18 years. What is Mitral Valve Prolapse (also known as MVP). The Mitral Valve is slightly loose, thus allowing blood to leak back into the chamber of the heart. It can be heard through a stethoscope as a murmur or click. It is one of the most commonly found cardiac conditions.

MVP affects anywhere from five to twenty percent of the general population. Males are affected, but it is more predominant in females. Symptoms of MVP usually do not begin before the early teenage years. However, people of any age can be affected.

Sixty percent of the people who have MVP also have MVP Syndrome. This is an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, also called dysautonomia. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is composed of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. This system of our body controls almost all body functions, such as the heartbeat, respiration, blood pressure, vision and digestion. When this system is not in balance it can cause many undesirable symptoms.

These are a few of the symptoms that MVP People can experience.

Palpitations or fluttering feeling of the heart Tachycardia - heart racing Bradycardia - heart beating slowly Chest pain Shortness of breath Gastrointestinal-Irritable bowel Esophageal reflux Headaches-migraines Fatigue Insomnia Anxiety-panic attacks Shakiness

Fainting spells-dizzy spells Mood swings Cold hands and feet Increased sensitivity of the heartbeat and body functions Sensitivity to smells, sounds and temperature change Swelling of arms and legs Backaches Muscular tension-muscle weakness and fatigue Skin rashes Hay fever-allergies

I have personally experienced many of these symptoms. I have found the best way for me to combat this syndrome is by using the power of suggestion through the use of self-hypnosis.

ther suggested treatments have been to eliminate stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and sugar from our diets. It is important that MVP people drink a lot of water (64 oz.) to keep from dehydrating.

Exercise is one of the key elements in helping us to keep our symptoms manageable. It is recommended that we start a 30 minutes per day aerobic program, five times a week.

Medication may be prescribed by your doctor, such as beta blockers or channel blockers to help those of you who are having a hard time combating this syndrome on your own.

Please do not diagnose yourself. See a physician or cardiologist. Educate yourself on how to combat this syndrome. There are many positive steps you can take to help yourself to combat this syndrome. Being a certified hypnotherapist, I have created a cassette tape on combating MVP. I know that our mind is powerful tool to help us be the best we can be.

If I can be of further assistance, please call or write.

Christine Sabol
1526 Demorest Road Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 539-8755

Editor's note: Christine is a long standing member of the IMDHA. She's a testament to our motto of Healing: Body, Mind & Spirit.