DEAR DR. GOTT: I learned I had mitral-valve prolapse (MVP) about 40 years ago and have had it monitored ever since. I am now 65 and otherwise healthy. I have always had spells where my heart would start beating real fast, but they have been more recent lately, occurring almost once a month.
About four years ago, my cardiologist put me on 20 milligrams lisinopril daily. My blood pressure is 135/80. Since then, we moved from California to Arkansas. Last month, a new doctor took me off lisinopril and prescribed 60 milligrams diltiazem twice a day. He referred me to another cardiologist. The new cardiologist wants me to start taking 240 milligrams Pradaxa instead and suggested I undergo valve repair ASAP.
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