The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the automatic functions of the body (visceral functions) such as the heart rate, breathing, perspiration, eye pupils, the digestive system, urination and more.
The ANS trunk runs directly adjacent to the spinal column. It consists of sensory and motor neurons that interact with the brain stem that is located at the base of the skull emerging from the spinal column. The brain stem is also found in lower life forms such as lizards, crocodiles and birds.
It is also referred to as the reptilian brain. The brain stem is the oldest and smallest part of the human brain. It is instinctual and has no reasoning power. The ANS is the human body subconscious control system. It is composed of primarily two main systems.
First, the sympathetic system that generally send signals to speed things up and is often thought of as the accelerator on a car. Second, the parasympathetic system generally slows things down. Similar to brakes on a car. This system also controls our Fight or Flight reactions. Some people suffer from a dysfunction of the ANS system. Among the many symptoms they experience the most common include abnormal rapid beating, throbbing, or fluttering of the heart, chest pain, shortness of breath.
fatigue, IBS, anxiety, dizziness, and panic attacks. Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) patients show many of the same symptoms and the physical characteristics of autonomic dysfunction. This correlation has been well documented and investigated.
MVP combined with even minor abnormalities in autonomic function (dysautonomia) often leads to a diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome (MVPS) . Autonomic dysfunction can be seen entirely separate with a normal mitral valve. Additionally, MVP systems often can be seen without Automatic Dysfunctions. However, when both conditions exist simultaneously the diagnosis is Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome.
Treatment for MVP Syndrome should begin with the gathering of clinically sound information available to learn how to manage and avoid the symptoms with the understanding of the underlying causes. At the MVP Center in Miami FL, cardiologist Dr. Ariel Soffer and I developed and published the extensive Patient Guide with the Five Key Treatment Principles for MVPS.
* These treatment principles were developed as a result of treating the thousands of patients that came from all over the USA and abroad for this unique and effective treatment program.
Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome- Patient Information Guide by Ariel D. Soffer, MD For additional information visit Mina Soffer's web site:
