Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common condition where the mitral valve flaps do not close tightly, though most people who have it experience no health problems.
What is the mitral valve?
The mitral valve is one of the four valves in the heart. It opens to allow blood to flow from the upper left chamber to the lower left chamber and closes tightly to prevent backflow when the heart pumps blood to the body.
What is mitral valve prolapse (MVP)?
MVP occurs when the flaps of the mitral valve become floppy and fail to close tightly. This can lead to regurgitation (backflow), where blood leaks back into the chamber it came from. However, most people with MVP do not experience backflow and suffer no health complications.
Risk Factors
While the exact cause is unknown, you may be more likely to develop MVP if you:
- Are older.
- Had rheumatic fever.
- Have a connective tissue disorder (e.g., Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
- Have Graves' disease.
- Have scoliosis or other bone problems.
- Have certain types of muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms and Complications
Most people have no symptoms. When they do occur, they may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Fatigue, dizziness, or anxiety
- Migraines
- Chest pain
Rare complications, usually associated with significant backflow, include arrhythmia, endocarditis, and heart failure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Providers often detect MVP during routine exams by hearing a click or a heart murmur. An echocardiogram (echo) is the most useful diagnostic tool.
Most people require no treatment. If symptoms or significant backflow are present, treatment may include:
- Medicines to improve heart function.
- Heart surgery to repair or replace the valve, with repair being the preferred method.
Prevention
While MVP itself cannot be prevented, you can reduce the risk of serious complications by maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infection, consulting your provider about antibiotics before dental work, attending regular check-ups, and adopting heart-healthy habits.