Information From Your Health Care Provider

MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE

Basic information

description

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a heart valve disorder. The mitral valve is located in the left side of the heart. It is one of four heart valves that keep blood flowing in one direction. Prolapse means that openings (called leaflets) in the valve don't close as firmly as they should. This defect can allow a small amount of blood to leak backward (called mitral valve regurgitation). This leads to a heart "click" or murmur that may be heard through a stethoscope (an instrument used for listening to body sounds). MVP is common, can affect all ages, and occurs in women more than men. It is often diagnosed in otherwise healthy teenagers and young adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Often no symptoms are present (about 60% of cases) and the condition may be discovered on a routine physical exam. When symptoms do occur, they may vary from a few that are mild to having many symptoms. The symptoms are sometimes referred to as mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVPS).
Chest pain (sharp, dull, or pressing).
Fatigue, shortness of breath.
Dizziness.
Lightheadedness when rising up from a chair or bed.
Heart palpitations.
Anxiety and panic attacks.
Migraines.

causes

Why MVP occurs is unknown. The condition may be inherited or due to another disease.

risk increases with

Family history of heart valve disorders.
Connective tissue disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, Marfan syndrome, and others).
Other heart conditions and some muscle disorders.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None known.

expected outcomes

MVP is usually a benign disorder that needs no treatment and does not prevent a normal active life. Complications are rare.

possible complications

Excess blood may leak backward through the mitral valve.
Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves and heart lining).
Stroke.
Sudden death.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider may do a physical exam and listen to the sounds of the heart. Medical tests may include an echocardiogram (heart function test) to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment is usually not needed. A medical follow-up may be done every few years to check for proper heart function.
In some cases where there is more blood leakage, drugs and lifestyle changes may be recommended for treatment.
Surgery for valve replacement may be recommended in a few cases. New methods of repairing leaking valves are being researched.
If other symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, or panic attacks occur, your health care provider can discuss treatment options.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed depending on specific symptoms or to prevent complications.
Antibiotics may be recommended for high risk patients prior to any dental work or certain types of surgery. High risk patients can include people with artificial valves, congenital heart disease, or a history of endocarditis.

activity

Daily aerobic exercise is helpful for most patients.
Athletes with MVP who have many symptoms may be restricted from some types of sports.