Introduction: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a relatively common valvular disorder that is associated with a variety of troublesome symptoms. Although chest pain, dizziness, anxiety, and syncope are common symptoms associated with MVP, they are poorly understood.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gather quantitative and qualitative data from college students with and without MVP to better understand the cardiovascular function and anxiety of subjects with MVP.
Methods: Twenty college students (10 with MVP and 10 without MVP) underwent quantitative measurements of heart rate variability (HRV), cardiovascular response to orthostatic stress (CVROS), and anxiety. HRV was measured with the Polar Vantage NV Heart Rate monitor. CVROS (heart rate and blood pressure) was measured with the Propaq Encore Monitor during a supine to stand test. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Students with MVP also completed an MVP Questionnaire to quantify the signs and symptoms of MVP. Qualitative data were obtained from small group tape-recorded discussions of students with MVP who responded to open and closed-ended questions about MVP. Statistical analyses of quantitative data included parametric and nonparametric statistical analyses with the level of significance set at P < .05. Qualitative analyses included triangulation and coding of the transcribed discussions.
Results: Comparison of students with and without MVP revealed (1) no significant difference in demographic characteristics or HRV and (2) significant differences (P < .05) in the General STAI scores and the CVROS (dizziness scores and percent change in heart rate). Significant correlations were observed between the CVROS percent change in heart rate and dizziness scores as well as the General and Total STAI scores (r=-0.43 to -0.55; P < .05). Qualitative analyses revealed that dizziness, near syncope, and syncope were common in students with MVP and led to substantial adaptations to perform activities of daily living.
Conclusion: College students with MVP differ from students without MVP by having higher levels of anxiety and dizziness and a lower CVROS. Qualitative results support the quantitative findings and may assist college students with MVP to understand and prevent adverse MVP occurrences.