Mitral valve prolapse is a disorder of the heart. It occurs when the valve between the left chambers of the heart doesn't close properly. The flaps of the valve bulge back, sometimes allowing blood flow back into the atrium. Mitral valve prolapse is very common, and many times requires no medications or lifestyle alterations. This condition should be monitored by a doctor due to severe issues that can arise.
Instructions
1. Visit the cardiologist. A cardiologist is a doctor whose specialty is the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists have specialty training in dealing with hearts and the arteries.
2. Keep all routine and check-up appointments. Even if there doesn't seem to be any problems, the regularly scheduled appointments are very important. During these appointments, the doctor runs specific tests that many times can find a problem before the patient even notices.
3. Follow doctor's orders. This is the rule concerning everything. Medicine, activity level, avoidances and anything else the doctor specifically points out. Ask if unsure. If anything, it's better safe than sorry.
4. Call the cardiologist with any questions. Medicine questions, as well as anything new that might be related to the mitral valve prolapse, should be directed to the cardiologist.
5. Understand what the doctor says. If there are any questions regarding any doctor orders, ask before leaving the office. If he uses terminology that is unfamiliar, it is not rude to ask for more simple terms. Sometimes doctors don't realize their terminology is foreign to the common person, so it's the patient's job to inform them.
Tags: valve prolapse, doctor orders, many times