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What is mitral valve prolapse?

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition where the two flaps of the mitral valve don’t close properly. Instead, one or both flaps bulge (prolapse) back into the left atrium when the heart beats.

MVP is also called click-murmur syndrome, Barlow’s syndrome or floppy valve syndrome.

What happens during mitral valve prolapse?

When the heart pumps, one or both valve flaps may bulge backward into the left atrium.

Sometimes, the valve doesn’t close tightly, which can let a small amount of blood leak backward. This is called regurgitation and may cause a heart murmur (an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat).

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Is mitral valve prolapse dangerous?

In most cases, MVP is not dangerous. Many people don’t know they have it and have no health problems from it.

In some cases, MVP can lead to regurgitation or other issues that need monitoring or treatment. Your healthcare team can help guide next steps based on your symptoms and test results.

What causes mitral valve prolapse?

MVP can happen with a condition called myxomatous valve disease. This is when the mitral valve has become soft, thick and a bit stretchy. This can affect how the valve closes.

Most people who have MVP are born with it. It may also be linked to other health problems, such as some connective tissue diseases.

What are the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse?

Most people with MVP don’t have symptoms.

It’s often found during a routine exam when a healthcare professional hears a heart murmur while listening with a stethoscope. A murmur may suggest blood is leaking backward through the valve, which can be linked to MVP.

When symptoms do happen, they may include:

• A feeling of fast or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)

How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed?

If a murmur suggests possible mitral valve prolapse, your healthcare team may recommend tests, even if you don’t have symptoms.

An echocardiogram (echo) is the main test used. It uses sound waves (ultrasound) to show how the valve is working and whether blood is leaking backward (regurgitation).

In some cases, a cardiac MRI (CMR) may also be used to get additional detailed images of the heart.

Your test results and symptoms will help your healthcare team decide if any follow-up or treatment is needed.

Does mitral valve prolapse need treatment?

In many instances, MVP doesn’t affect your health and doesn’t need treatment.

Your healthcare team can help you understand your risk and whether follow-up is needed. If you are prescribed medication, take it as directed.

Some people may need treatment, including mitral valve repair or replacement, if:

• Symptoms get worse
• Mitral regurgitation (valve leakage) becomes severe
• The left ventricle or left atrium becomes enlarged
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) develop
• Heart function (ejection fraction) decreases

MVP does not usually become serious. In some cases, it can lead to abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias), which may need medical care.

When valve leakage (regurgitation) is severe, it can put extra strain on the heart. Over time, this can lead to an enlarged atrium and increase the risk of heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can raise the risk of blood clots, which may lead to stroke.

Know the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke.

Do people with mitral valve prolapse need antibiotics before dental procedures?

Antibiotics before dental procedures are not recommended by the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ for people with MVP, even if they have symptoms, unless there is another high-risk heart condition that qualifies.

Your healthcare team will let you know if you have a different heart condition that may require antibiotics before certain procedures.