Sport in mitral valve insufficiency | Mitral valve insufficiency

Sport in mitral valve insufficiency

People suffering from mitral valve insufficiency often ask themselves whether exercise is recommended or whether it may even be harmful. The answer to this question is, as in most cases, complex.Before any physical activity with known chronic heart failure, a physician should be consulted to determine whether further therapeutic measures are necessary before beginning physical activity. Thus, the individual severity of the disease must be taken into account in order to be able to make a recommendation for the performance of sports activities.

If circulation problems occur during sports, it is always advisable to consult a doctor to avoid complications of the disease. In general, no sports activity can be recommended for symptomatic mitral valve insufficiency, regardless of its severity. Persons suffering from low-grade mitral valve insufficiency can take part in sports activities without restriction.

As a rule, the heart can usually compensate for minor mitral valve insufficiency well, which is why even greater stress is not a problem. People with moderate mitral valve insufficiency can also be active in sports as long as no symptoms occur. Heart function must also be within the normal range.

However, regular cardiological check-ups should be performed to avoid serious complications. If heart function is impaired, an individual consultation with the treating cardiologist can clarify which sport is appropriate for the individual. Severe mitral valve insufficiency is initially a contraindication for all stressful endurance sports.

If there are no symptoms, light sports activities may be considered. There are several studies that investigate whether exercise can improve the prognosis of mitral valve disease. So far, it has been confirmed that exercise can have a protective effect in the absence of heart failure and thus improve the prognosis of the disease.

In contrast, exercise has a negative effect on the prognosis in patients with severe heart failure. In mitral valve insufficiencies associated with mild heart failure, an individual physician should assess the extent to which exercise can be recommended. In any case, ask your physician beforehand for advice on whether and in what form you should exercise.