Age- and gender-related changes in exercise left ventricular function in mitral valve prolapse

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Valvular Heart Disease

Background:

• Isolated mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects left ventricular (LV) function during exercise.
• Understanding exercise performance in MVP is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the correlates of exercise left ventricular (LV) performance in patients with isolated mitral valve prolapse.
• To identify factors influencing LV ejection fraction (EF) response to exercise in this population.

Main Methods:

• Symptom-limited upright exercise testing was performed in 45 patients with isolated MVP.
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was assessed at rest and during exercise.
• Data were analyzed based on age (≤40 vs. >40 years) and sex.

Main Results:

• 60% of patients had a normal LV ejection fraction (EF) response to exercise, while 40% showed an abnormal response.
• A normal EF response was more frequent in younger patients (≤40 years) and men.
• Women and older patients (>40 years) exhibited a less favorable EF response to exercise.

Conclusions:

• Isolated mitral valve prolapse patients, especially women and those over 40, may have impaired LV functional reserve during exercise.
• Age-related myocardial changes and potential sex-based genetic differences may contribute to these findings.