Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common, usually benign heart disorder. The mitral valve controls blood flow between the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers on the left side of the heart. In MVP, the valve flaps may be too large and do not close as tightly as they should. This causes the valve to balloon back and leak a tiny amount of blood back into the atrium.

Causes

In most cases, the cause of MVP is unknown. In some cases, it appears to be an inherited genetic condition. Rarely, MVP may be caused by:
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Atrial septal defects

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Family history of mitral valve prolapse
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 14-30
  • Straight back
  • Thin chest diameter
  • Low body weight
  • Low blood pressure
  • Chest wall deformities

Symptoms

People with Mitral Valve Prolapse often have no symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur, however, they may include one or more of the following:
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Panic attacks or anxiety
  • Rapid heart beat (palpitations)
  • Dizziness
  • Intestinal problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome)

Diagnosis

Mitral Valve Prolapse can be heard through a stethoscope. A small blood leakage will sound like a murmur. When the mitral valve balloons backward, it may produce a clicking sound. Both murmurs and clicks are telltale signs of MVP. An echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

In most cases, no treatment is necessary. Speak with your doctor about taking antibiotics prior to dental work or surgery. Antibiotics may help to prevent endocarditis, an infection of the membrane that covers the inside of the heart. If symptoms include chest pain, anxiety, or panic attacks, a beta-blocker medication can be prescribed. In very rare cases, the blood leakage may become severe. In these few cases, the mitral valve may need to be surgically repaired or replaced.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing MVP of unknown or genetic origin.