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Mitral valve prolapse
WEB EXCLUSIVE / NOVEMBER 2005
POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE
Update of a handout originally published in July 1996
Download this Patient Note in PDF format
Mitral valve prolapse is a relatively common condition in which an abnormal valve in the heart may allow blood to flow in an abnormal direction. Many people with this condition have no symptoms and never need treatment, while others may have trouble breathing and need treatment to help their heart work more efficiently.
What is mitral valve prolapse?
The mitral valve is located between the heart's left filling chamber (atrium) and its pumping chamber (ventricle). As the heart beats, blood is pumped from the atrium to the ventricle and then to the rest of the body. Normally, the mitral valve opens to permit blood to flow into the ventricle and then closes to prevent it from draining backward. The mitral valve is made up of two flaps of tissue called leaflets. In mitral valve prolapse, the leaflets are longer or thicker than normal; when they are closed they extend back into the atrium and may allow blood to leak through. The term prolapse describes this backward displacement of the valve leaflets.
How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed?
Many people are not aware that they have mitral valve prolapse. Often, a doctor recognizes abnormal clicks and murmurs when listening to a patient's heart through a stethoscope during a routine physical examination. An echocardiogram may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the prolapse.
Does mitral valve prolapse have to be treated?
People with no symptoms usually need no treatment. But some people gradually become breathless and tired. They may have an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and light-headedness. These symptoms occur because blood is leaking backward through the prolapsed valve, and the heart has to work harder than normal to make up for the problem. Treatment may be necessary to lighten the workload on the heart and keep the prolapse from worsening.
How is mitral valve prolapse treated?
Most often, an irregular heartbeat and other symptoms can be relieved with medications and lifestyle changes. In some situations, medications are given to prevent complications. People with mitral valve prolapse typically receive antibiotics before dental or stomach procedures to prevent infection and perhaps aspirin to avoid blood clots. If the prolapse is severe, valve surgery may be needed. Usually, the mitral valve can be repaired, but in some cases it may have to be replaced with an artificial one.
This information is not a substitute for medical treatment.
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