Mitral valve prolapse and heavy lifting

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Dear Jordan and Austin,

I am a 27 year old female and have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse when I was 10. My last check-up with my cardiologist was a year ago. It showed no regurgitation and a small left ventricule enlargement (but no hypertrophy). At that time, I wasn’t doing any lifting at all, only HIIT-type cardio, which my cardiologist said was OK to do, as long as it wasn’t “too intense” (what does that mean anyway?).

I started SS 6 months ago (currently lifting 175 pounds at the squat for 5 reps, 84 at the bench and 198 at the deadlift at 125 bodyweight).
My question is as follows: is it possible that my condition has worsened since I started lifting weights or is it safe to keep doing SS?

I have read many different things on the internet so I’m a bit lost. My next appointment with my cardiologist is in December, and I don’t want to stop lifting weights in the meantime if it is actually OK for me to continue doing it.

Thanks a million, I am getting a bit anxious…

Olivia

2

Why/how did you end up getting diagnosed at age 10? (In other words, why were doctors looking at your heart at that age?)

3

We were getting regular medical check-ups at school and the doctor heard a heart murmur during the oscultation and send me to see a cardiologist.

4

I see.

MVP is not generally considered to be a contraindication to resistance training. It’s possible that your condition “progresses” regardless of whether you train or not. But, as with most of these things, we don’t have strong evidence on the matter to give 100% confident recommendations.

Not a very satisfying answer, I know.

Sorry!

5

Thank you for your reply, very much appreciated. Keep up the great work!