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Bodily habitus and mitral valve prolapse
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are leaner than control groups, lacking distinct anthropometric characteristics or thoracic abnormalities. This study suggests MVP is not linked to generalized connective tissue disorders.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is sometimes associated with connective tissue abnormalities.
- Previous research has explored potential links between MVP and specific physical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) exhibit distinct anthropometric characteristics.
- To determine if MVP is associated with an underlying generalized connective tissue abnormality.
Main Methods:
- Compared anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, etc.) in 100 MVP patients versus age and sex-matched controls.
- Assessed thoracic asymmetry frequency in both MVP patients and controls.
- Utilized echocardiography for MVP identification.
Main Results:
- MVP patients, both male and female, demonstrated significantly lower body mass indices compared to controls.
- Women with MVP were lighter than their control counterparts, with a similar trend observed in men.
- No significant differences were found in other anthropometric measurements or the frequency of thoracic asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) patients are generally leaner than controls.
- The study does not support the hypothesis of an underlying generalized connective tissue abnormality in MVP.
- The lean physique of MVP patients warrants further investigation.