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What is mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse is one of the most common forms of valvular heart disease, affecting up to 1-2% of the population. Mitral valve prolapse is an inherited condition where the leaflets of the mitral valve are redundant, making it more likely that the valve will leak (mitral regurgitation). The valves can degenerate over time, increasing the amount of mitral regurgitation; there is also an increased risk of endocarditis, abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, and possibly stroke.
What are the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse?
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed?
The diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse is most commonly made by listening to the heart with a stethoscope, often in asymptomatic patients. The diagnosis is confirmed by echocardiography. In selected circumstances a transesophageal echocardiogram or Cardiac MRI may be helpful.
How is it treated?
Asymptomatic patients with mitral valve prolapse and no significant mitral regurgitation will need periodic follow-up and echocardiograms but do not otherwise require any specific treatment. If there is significant leaking of the mitral valve then treatment with medications and possible referral for valve surgery may be necessary. Even with significant mitral regurgitation many patients can be followed for years prior to needing open heart surgery. If other conditions are present such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke, syncope, or endocarditis then further treatment will be necessary.
