How can I safely gain weight while I have mitral valve insufficiency and mitral valve prolapse?

Seek emergency care or contact your cardiologist right away if you develop any of the following. This list is for guidance and is not diagnostic.

• Fainting, severe dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Sudden or severe shortness of breath, including worsening at rest
• Chest pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest
• Rapid weight loss with poor intake, ongoing vomiting, or inability to eat

Severe low weight or malnutrition may require urgent assessment.

A team approach is ideal to make weight gain safe.

• Cardiology: assesses heart function and clears appropriate activity/nutrition plans. (

For drug interactions and side effects consult a pharmacist.

Other useful specialists and services include:

• Family Medicine: coordinates general health screening and referrals.
• Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases: if hormonal or metabolic issues are suspected.
• Internal Medicine: for broader medical assessment.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: for supervised strength training and safe activity plans.

These suggestions are general and must be adapted by your care team.

• Increase calorie density with nutritious choices: healthy oils, nut butters, nuts and seeds, full‑fat dairy or fortified alternatives, and starchy whole grains.
• Eat more frequently in smaller portions if you feel full quickly.
• Use calorie‑and‑nutrient‑rich liquids such as smoothies made with milk or plant milk, nut butter, oats, fruit and protein powder if advised.
• Prioritise adequate protein to support muscle mass; the amount and sources should be planned with a dietitian.

These are not personalised medical or treatment instructions.

Gaining lean mass can help overall weight, but the type and intensity of activity matter with heart disease.

• Resistance (strength) training supports muscle gain, but any program must be approved and tailored after cardiology assessment.
• Clarify exercise limits and safe intensities before starting activity.

A personalised exercise prescription is required; general rules may be unsafe for some individuals.