Medication Use and Symptoms in Individuals With Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

Abstract

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valvular heart disease associated with a variety of frightening symptoms. Beta-adrenergic blockers along with calcium channel blockers and anxiolytics are widely used to treat symptoms associated with MVPS despite a lack of evidence that supports their efficacy. This study examined the relationship between prescribed medication use and frequency and intensity of MVPS symptoms. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Descriptive statistics and Cramèr’s V correlational analysis were used to answer the research questions. Self-completed questionnaires were mailed to 2,282 MVPS individuals older than 21 years of age throughout the United States and Canada previously diagnosed with MVPS. Of the 837 participants, 337 (40%) were taking one or more medications. Although there were significant positive correlations between anxiety and calcium channel blockers, chest pain and digoxin, and mood swings and digoxin, the correlations were very weak.