Mitral Valve Prolapse

[Realms09]

What is the FAA stance on MVP and first class medicals?

[troopernflight]

I asked about MVP a few months ago and this is what I had experienced.

Quote:
Originally Posted by troopernflight
Dr. Forred,
A couple of weeks ago I went to get my 1st class medical certificate for the first time. I had no problems and the flight surgeon issued the certificate with no restrictions. I noticed in the past few weeks that I would get heart palpitations periodically that would last a few seconds. (usually after I drank a lot of coffee). I went to my regular doctor to get it checked out and he said he heard the "click" that indicated that I might have Mitral Valve Prolapse. He then did an EKG. He stared at the print out for about 5 minutes and then said that he noticed a slight irregular heart beat but wasn't sure whether it was a problem or just an anomoly. He wants me to get a heart echo next month to make sure everything is ok. He said he doesn't see it being a problem with my flight certificate. Do you have any input as to this affecting my ticket?
Thanks, Dan

It depends on what the ECHO shows. If it is a mitral valve prolapse, no big deal. That is the most likely thing to be there if there is anything.

As a side note, "regular doctors" don't know anything about the FAA regulations and guidelines. This is a recurring problem the FAA sees all of the time.
__________________
Walter Forred, MD
PHX
602-368-5633

www.myflightsurgeon.com

[Realms09]

Thank you troopern. The ECHO in question shows mild prolapse with mild regurgitation but this cannot be detected in a normal examination (no click or other abnormal noises). Dr. Forred, does mild regurgitation affect the mild prolapse being "no big deal?"

[My Flight Surgeon]

The FAA will want a cardiac evaluation by the doc or cardiologist and an echocardiogram. The ECHO is the best way to follow valve function. What we know about mitral valve prolapse is that 25% will eventually have some type of cardiac problem. Understanding that the primary role of the FAA is safety, one can see why they tend to follow medical conditions.