Mitral Valve Prolapse and the Athlete

[Guest guest]

Hello Dr. Siff and group. I hope all have had a Merry Christmas and

a soon to be Happy New Year.

I have a question in regards to Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and

training.

My girlfried was diagnosed with MVP in October of 2000 after an

Echocardiogram showed a mild case (A 1 on a scale of 1 to 5).

Prior to this she was very cardiovascularly active (soccer, running,

etc.) And moderate weight training approximately three times per week.

The Cardiologist told her that any cardio activity would be good for

her heart, however he told her to avoid lifting heavy weights with no

explanation as to why she should avoid lifting those weights.

I have my ideas as to why she should not lift heavy (i.e. increase

blood pressure which would cause regurgitation in the heart.) but I

am unsure to what degree this would have an effect.

What I would like to find out is if anyone can offer us some medical

background as to why this Doctor would recommend to avoid weight

training but to continue with any degree of cardiovascular training?

[Greater peak blood pressure and pressure transients usually occur

during heavy resistance training, because of the Valsalva manoeuvre and

local muscle tension which tends to compromise blood flow. Lighter, non HIT

style

weight training with a minimum of breath holding with a closed mouth tends to

diminish these effects. Mel Siff]

And secondly: I would like to know if a moderate weight training

protocol would be beneficial and if we can work up to maximal weight

training eventually.

I am a little shocked anytime I hear a Doctor say " No " to anything.

As an Olympic Athlete who has seen many individuals overcome various

maladies I perceive the body as an amazing organism that can adapt to

any condition, both external and internal. It's always a matter of

finding that person or persons who can help you find a way towards

your goals as an individual. I am hoping to find that same sort of

attitude for my girlfriend.

Any help or pointers towards more research on this topic would be

greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone.

Calgary, Canada

Las Vegas, NV

Boston, MA

[Guest guest]

I would just like to bump this question so that it gets posted

again. Thank you.

Calgary, AB

Las Vegas, NV

Boston, MA

> Hello Dr. Siff and group. I hope all have had a Merry Christmas

and

> a soon to be Happy New Year.

>

> I have a question in regards to Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and

> training.

>

> My girlfried was diagnosed with MVP in October of 2000 after an

> Echocardiogram showed a mild case (A 1 on a scale of 1 to 5).

> Prior to this she was very cardiovascularly active (soccer,

running,

> etc.) And moderate weight training approximately three times per

week.

>

> The Cardiologist told her that any cardio activity would be good

for

> her heart, however he told her to avoid lifting heavy weights with

no

> explanation as to why she should avoid lifting those weights.

>

> I have my ideas as to why she should not lift heavy (i.e. increase

> blood pressure which would cause regurgitation in the heart.) but I

> am unsure to what degree this would have an effect.

>

> What I would like to find out is if anyone can offer us some

medical

> background as to why this Doctor would recommend to avoid weight

> training but to continue with any degree of cardiovascular training?

>

> [Greater peak blood pressure and pressure transients usually occur

> during heavy resistance training, because of the Valsalva manoeuvre

and

> local muscle tension which tends to compromise blood flow.

Lighter, non HIT style

> weight training with a minimum of breath holding with a closed

mouth tends to

> diminish these effects. Mel Siff]

>

> And secondly: I would like to know if a moderate weight training

> protocol would be beneficial and if we can work up to maximal

weight

> training eventually.

>

> I am a little shocked anytime I hear a Doctor say " No " to

anything.

> As an Olympic Athlete who has seen many individuals overcome

various

> maladies I perceive the body as an amazing organism that can adapt

to

> any condition, both external and internal. It's always a matter of

> finding that person or persons who can help you find a way towards

> your goals as an individual. I am hoping to find that same sort of

> attitude for my girlfriend.

>

> Any help or pointers towards more research on this topic would be

> greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone.

>

>

> Calgary, Canada

> Las Vegas, NV

> Boston, MA