Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common valvular heart disease with millions of people newly diagnosed each year. Anecdotal reports by individuals with MVP syndrome indicate a variety of frightening symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, migraine headaches, lightheadedness, fatigue, dizziness on standing, mood swings, and anxiety or panic attacks. Individuals with these symptoms often seek help in emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and primary care offices. However, little is known about the profile and the effects of these symptoms on the individual's role status, and use of health care services. The conceptual framework that guided the study was built on the work of Lenz and colleagues who proposed a theory of unpleasant symptoms. 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 patients diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse syndrome. The sample of 837 persons completed a MVPS symptom checklist and survey, MUIS, SF-36, STAI, MOS 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. The results support previous clinical anecdotal reports that individuals with MVPS are symptomatic despite medication use, and are frequent users of health care services. The study highlights the need for interventions that focus on symptom management and improving physical functioning. Interventions that can attenuate perceptions of uncertainty require further investigation because of their potential to affect health care costs in decreasing emergency room visits.
Session #1188 - Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)