A member asked:

Will drinking alcohol socially cause leakage of heart mitral valve if you have a weakened mitral valve due to endocrdidtis .

6 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Payam Mehranpour answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine - Cardiology

No: Linkage of the mitral valve due to endocarditis is usually due to damage done by the infection. Social alcohol drinking is not usually associated with significant changes in the cardiac structure or function.

Answered 9/9/2013

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No: Always a good idea to drink in moderation for a variety of good reasons. So what you call drinking 'socially' could be interpreted in a lot of ways. Alcoholism can permanently damage the heart and could be a problem. But in general, 1-2 drinks occasionally should not cause a problem with a heart valve, even one that has problems.

Answered 9/9/2013

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Dr. Michael Turner answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Technically no BUT: If you suffer from mitral valve prolapse, most physicians would encourage you to embrace a healthy lifestyle - exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, avoid tobacco & excessive caffeine, limit alcohol intake, and make sure you maintain good dental health. 'socially' depends on precisely what you mean by social. I would encourage you to discuss this issue with your physician.

Answered 9/9/2013

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Doubt it: Alcohol won't exacerbate the leakage. What it can do when used excessively is to weaken your heart muscle and then that can weaken your mitral valve.

Answered 9/9/2013

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