Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome Health Concerns, Symptoms, and Treatments

Abstract

Individuals with mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVPS) symptoms seek help in emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and primary care offices. Little is known about the profile and effects of these symptoms on individuals’ role status and use of health care services. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to develop a profile of health concerns, symptoms, and treatments and to examine the relationships of symptoms to functional and role status and use of health care services for MVPS patients. A sample of 837 persons completed an MVPS symptom checklist and survey, Mishel Uncertainty Illness Scale, Short Form Health Survey, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support, and Food Frequency Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, multiple-regression analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to answer the research questions. Findings suggest that older age, lack of social support, higher anxiety, and lack of regular exercise predict MVPS symptoms. There was limited support for the overall theoretical model.