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What Causes Dizzy Spells Inspite Of Suffering From Mitral Valve Prolapse?

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Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015
Question: I have been on Noriday for two years after i decided cerrazette had helped me gain weight and caused depression. I am 48 and have been going through the menopause since I was 40. I have not had periods for 7 years. The past year I have had dizzy spells where my heart beats fast, theres a pain in my throat and I cant catch my breath it only lasts about 15 seconds then Im ok. I told my doctor who sent me to have heart scans but all came back ok. I had a 7 day monitor on and that was ok. I was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse when I was 17 but this has since healed itself which is another reason the doc sent me to have a heart scan. The doctors now don't seem bothered. I feel like a fraud but the dizzy spells worry me. Please could you give me some advise.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Such symptoms could occur due to anxiety provoked by MVP

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. You are a 48 years old female and are going through menopause since you were 40 years old. You took Noriday for two years and then decided to take Carrazette. You have history of Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP). You have dizzy spells, palpitations, pain in throat, difficulty in breathing etc symptoms. These symptoms occur in episodes and last for about 15 seconds. Heard scans and workup came normal. Continuous monitoring also came normal.

As per my opinion the symptoms you are having are not due to any heart cause. All workups came normal so we can easily rule out heart problems. Secondly these symptoms are not persisting and occur in episodes lasting for few seconds which is very unlikely in heart problems. These symptoms appears to be occurring due to some form of anxiety disorder may be due to panic though evaluation is required. You are in post menopausal age, have MVP syndrome which are aggravating factors for Anxiety.

Episodic nature of these symptoms like dizzy spells, chocking sensation in throat, palpitations, breathlessness etc further confirms diagnosis. MVP syndrome has one of common presentation in form of anxiety and panic attacks.

I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment for such symptoms. Medicines like SNRIs especially Duloxetine can prove useful in your symptoms. The drug have excellent efficacy in post menopausal symptoms and anxiety. For episodes of anxiety medicines like low dose benzodiazepines as Etizolam can help. The drug can help to reduce the symptoms and will help to relax you. You have history of MVP syndrome and these drugs are safe to use in such situation also. Apart from this I would advise you to try relaxation exercises Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises and Breathing Exercises (which your are doing already) to keep your symptoms under control.

Visit a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Don't hesitate to ask again for more follow up questions.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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What Causes Dizzy Spells Inspite Of Suffering From Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Brief Answer: Such symptoms could occur due to anxiety provoked by MVP Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. You are a 48 years old female and are going through menopause since you were 40 years old. You took Noriday for two years and then decided to take Carrazette. You have history of Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP). You have dizzy spells, palpitations, pain in throat, difficulty in breathing etc symptoms. These symptoms occur in episodes and last for about 15 seconds. Heard scans and workup came normal. Continuous monitoring also came normal. As per my opinion the symptoms you are having are not due to any heart cause. All workups came normal so we can easily rule out heart problems. Secondly these symptoms are not persisting and occur in episodes lasting for few seconds which is very unlikely in heart problems. These symptoms appears to be occurring due to some form of anxiety disorder may be due to panic though evaluation is required. You are in post menopausal age, have MVP syndrome which are aggravating factors for Anxiety. Episodic nature of these symptoms like dizzy spells, chocking sensation in throat, palpitations, breathlessness etc further confirms diagnosis. MVP syndrome has one of common presentation in form of anxiety and panic attacks. I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment for such symptoms. Medicines like SNRIs especially Duloxetine can prove useful in your symptoms. The drug have excellent efficacy in post menopausal symptoms and anxiety. For episodes of anxiety medicines like low dose benzodiazepines as Etizolam can help. The drug can help to reduce the symptoms and will help to relax you. You have history of MVP syndrome and these drugs are safe to use in such situation also. Apart from this I would advise you to try relaxation exercises Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises and Breathing Exercises (which your are doing already) to keep your symptoms under control. Visit a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs. Thanks, hope this helps you. Don't hesitate to ask again for more follow up questions.