43 year old R&B diva Monica is recovering today after she reportedly passed out on the side of the stage during her concert on Saturday, December 30. The incident was reported by TMZ leaving her fans concerned about her health. Crew members quickly jumped into action and paramedics arrived on scene taking her away in an ambulance.
Monica’s fainting episode may have resulted from Mitral Valve Prolapse. Monica has spoke openly about the condition since her diagnosis at the age of 18. Mitral Valve Prolapse is a heart condition that occurs when the two flaps (leaflets) of the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, do not close properly. Instead of closing evenly, one or both of the valve flaps bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium during the heart’s contraction. The exact cause of mitral valve prolapse is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:
- Genetics: MVP tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Certain genetic mutations or variations may predispose individuals to develop mitral valve prolapse.
- Connective tissue disorders: People with certain connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, are more likely to develop MVP. Connective tissue provides support and structure to various parts of the body, including heart valves.
- Age and gender: Mitral valve prolapse is more common in women than in men, and it often occurs in individuals between the ages of 14 and 30. However, it can affect people of any age.
- Other heart conditions: Some conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or an enlarged left atrium, may contribute to the development of mitral valve prolapse.
- Prior heart attack or heart disease: Past heart-related issues may increase the risk of MVP.
Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not experience any symptoms and may not require treatment. In Monica’s case she’s had multiple occasions in which MVP caused her to passed out. In a previous interview she explained what happened during her first fainting episode from the heart condition as a teen.
“Everything in front of me basically began to go from color to black-and-white, fading in and out,” she said. “I walked to the side of the stage to ask for help and collapsed into one of our staff people’s arms.”
Monica was rushed to the hospital where she stayed for a month as doctors ran numerous test to determine the cause of her fainting spell. The diagnosis was Mitral Valve Prolapse.
MVP is not to be taken lightly as the songstress also revealed she suffers from high blood pressure. Monica stated she’s experienced debilitating headaches so bad she could not move or get out of bed. The pain was so severe at times she would loose consciousness. A trip to the doctor revealed her blood pressure was in the danger zone of 185. Since then the singer has made numerous changes in her lifestyle including a healthy diet and eliminating stress.
As of now there is no word on whether Monica is still hospitalized but fans around the world are sending prayers of healing and support. She has numerous upcoming tour dates but there is no word of any cancellations.
Get well soon Monica from The Fleet Mag family.