Q: I AM a 37-year-old male. I was recently diagnosed (through extensive tests) with Redundant Anterior Mitral Valve Leaflets (Mitral Valve Prolapse) and Sick Sinus Syndrome, Cervical Spondylosis (Degenerative), L5S1 Slipped Disc (also Degenerative), Hiatus Hernia with diverticulums (but no pylori), Pineal Brain Cyst and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
I believe that one single disease is responsible for much of my problems. I am desperate for time before some other system starts giving me more problems. I need information as my doctors are uncooperative. - Lim, Petaling Jaya
DR RAHMAN: For your information none of your medical conditions are interrelated. Your Mitral valve prolapse could have been there since young but not noted. Most of the time it is detected during routine medical check-ups. It may remain as it is without causing medical problems to you. But sometimes the prolapse may progress and cause the valve to leak. When your valve leaks, you may need to take prophylactic antibiotic for any interventional/surgical procedures. Your doctor may suggest for the valve to be repaired or replaced when it causes complication.
Sick sinus syndrome is the inability of your sino-atrial node to maintain your heart rate within the normal range. It may accelerate or decelerate causing symptoms such as palpitation or even fainting. It can be congenital or developed due to degenerative damage of the SA node.
As for your cervical spondylosis and slipped disc, these happen because of excessive wear and tear of the spine. It may be accelerated if we are exposed to physical activities that can damage our spine, such as weight lifting, parachuting and the like.
Your problem of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) comes with ageing in a man. Unfortunately in some men it comes early. Just check with your doctor if it is not more than just BPH. You may see the urologist to confirm this. I think it's just unfortunate you have these multiple medical problems at the same time.
