Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a disorder in which one of the heart's valves called the mitral valve doesn't close properly. The result is backward leaking of blood in the heart.

More than 2 percent of the adult population in America are affected by MVP. For most people, the condition brings no harm but in some, treatment is necessary as the disease progresses.

While people with MVP have the condition their whole life, many people experience no signs or symptoms. For those who do, the signs & symptoms vary from person to person, tend to be mild, develop gradually and may include:

- A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

- Dizziness, lightheadedness

- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, often when lying flat or after physical exertion

- Fatigue

- Chest pain that's not associated with a heart attack or coronary artery disease

In a properly functioning heart, movement of blood between the heart's upper left chamber and the lower left chamber is regulated by the the mitral valve opening and closing. In some people, with a malfunctioning mitral valve, it bulges similar to a parachute into the left atrium each time the heart pumps or contracts. Because of the bulging, the valve may not be able to close tightly and as a result, some blood may leak back into the atrium rather than flowing normally in one direction.

Other names for MVP include:

Click-murmur syndrome

Barlow's syndrome

Floppy valve syndrome

Ballooning mitral valve syndrome

In some people with MVP, heredity may play a role in the cause of the disease. People with Marfan syndrome as well as those with connective tissue disorders tend to be more susceptible to the disease also.

The regimen outlined below includes a holistic approach to treating & preventing Mitral valve prolapse:

Eat a well-balanced high fiber diet heavy in raw fruits and vegetables and proteins low in fat, such as broiled fish, skinless turkey and chicken.

Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, butter, red meats, fried foods, soft drinks and white flour products.

Drink at least 8 - 8 ounce glasses of pure water per day.

Avoid all forms of sodium, including foods containing MSG, baking soda, preservatives, tenderizers, saccharin and softened water.

Keep body weight in a healthy range.

Participate in a regular exercise program.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Coenzyme Q10 (50 - 100 mg 3 times daily) - Increases the oxygenation of tissue. I recommend using Jarrow Formulas Q-absorb, which contains Gamma Tocopherol for maximum absorption.

Essential Fatty Acids, such as Flaxseed, Primrose and Fish Oil (take as directed on label) - Help prevent hardening of the arteries.

L-Arginine (take as directed on label) - An amino acid that helps improve blood flow.

Vitamin C (1,000 mg 3 times daily) - An important antioxidant that helps regulate blood pressure.

Calcium (1,500 - 2,000 mg daily) & Magnesium (750 - 1,000 mg daily) - Are important for cardiac muscle function and the actions of enzymes.

Lecithin (2,400 mg 3 times daily) - Acts as a fat emulsifier. I recommend using granules.

Garlic (take as directed on label) - Aids in reducing cholesterol levels, which lowers blood pressure. My brand of choice is Kyolic by Wakunaga of America.

Ginkgo Biloba (take as directed on label) - May prevent the formation of free radicals in the cardiovascular system.

Selenium (200 mcg daily) - Help lower LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") and destroys free radicals in the heart.

L - Carnitine (500 mg twice daily) - An amino acid that reduces blood fat and triglyceride levels.

Sea Mussel (take as directed on label) - A source of protein that aids in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Hawthorn (take as directed on label) - Increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

Multivitamin and Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Helps insure proper nutrition.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.