What is mitral valve prolapse. How is it caused. What are the common symptoms. How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed. Can it be treated or managed effectively.

Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: An Overview

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition affecting the heart’s mitral valve, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle. This article delves into the intricacies of MVP, exploring its causes, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches.

The Anatomy of the Mitral Valve and Its Function

The mitral valve consists of two flaps located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Under normal circumstances, these flaps are held tightly closed during left ventricular contraction (systole) by small tendon cords called chordae tendineae. These cords connect the flaps to the heart muscles, ensuring proper valve function.

In cases of mitral valve prolapse, the flaps enlarge and stretch inward toward the left atrium. This abnormal movement can sometimes result in a “snapping” sound during systole and may allow blood to flow back into the left atrium, a condition known as regurgitation.

How does mitral valve prolapse affect blood flow in the heart?

Mitral valve prolapse can disrupt the normal unidirectional flow of blood through the heart. When the valve flaps don’t close properly, blood may leak backward into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation can lead to increased pressure in the left atrium and, in severe cases, may cause the chamber to enlarge over time.

Exploring the Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse

The exact cause of mitral valve prolapse remains unknown, but researchers believe there is a strong genetic component. MVP can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary.

Primary Mitral Valve Prolapse

Primary MVP is characterized by thickening of one or both valve flaps. Additional features may include:

• Fibrosis (scarring) of the flap surface
• Thinning or lengthening of the chordae tendineae
• Fibrin deposits on the flaps

This form of MVP is frequently observed in individuals with Marfan’s Syndrome or other inherited connective tissue disorders. However, it’s important to note that primary MVP is most commonly seen in people without any other form of heart disease.

Secondary Mitral Valve Prolapse

In secondary MVP, the valve flaps are not thickened. The prolapse may result from:

• Ischemic damage to the papillary muscles (caused by reduced blood flow due to coronary artery disease)
• Functional changes in the heart muscle (myocardium)
• Damage to valvular structures during acute myocardial infarction
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged left ventricular muscle mass)

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse can be asymptomatic in many cases. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary in severity and manifestation. The most common symptoms include:

Palpitations: A Common Complaint

Palpitations, or the sensation of a fast or irregular heartbeat, are the most frequently reported symptom among MVP patients. These palpitations are often associated with premature ventricular contractions, where the ventricles beat sooner than they should. In some cases, supraventricular rhythms (abnormal rhythms originating above the ventricles) may also be detected.

It’s worth noting that some patients may experience palpitations without any observable dysrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).

Chest Pain: Distinct from Coronary Artery Disease

Chest pain is another common complaint among individuals with mitral valve prolapse. However, this pain differs from the chest pain associated with coronary artery disease. MVP-related chest pain can be recurrent and incapacitating, but it typically doesn’t follow the classic pattern of angina.

Can mitral valve prolapse lead to heart failure symptoms?

In cases where there is significant mitral regurgitation (leaking of blood into the left atrium during systole), the left atrium and/or left ventricle may become enlarged over time. This enlargement can potentially lead to symptoms of heart failure, including:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

It’s crucial to note that the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse can resemble other medical conditions. Therefore, consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Diagnostic Approaches for Mitral Valve Prolapse

Diagnosing mitral valve prolapse often involves a combination of physical examination and various diagnostic tests. Here’s an overview of the common diagnostic approaches:

Physical Examination

During a routine physical examination, a healthcare provider may detect signs of MVP by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Two key auditory findings are:

1. A “click” sound: This is created by the stretched valve flaps snapping against each other during contraction.
2. A murmur: This sound is caused by blood leaking back into the left atrium.

In some cases, these auditory signs may be the only clinical indicators of MVP.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can reveal:

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias)
• Potential signs of heart muscle damage

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to evaluate the heart’s chambers and valves. It is considered the most useful diagnostic test for mitral valve prolapse.

During an echocardiogram:

• An ultrasound transducer is passed over the heart
• Sound waves create images of the heart’s structures on a monitor
• The test can provide detailed information about the mitral valve’s anatomy and function

Are there additional tests for severe cases of mitral valve prolapse?

In situations where symptoms are more severe or when initial tests are inconclusive, additional diagnostic procedures may be recommended. These may include:

Stress Test

Also known as a treadmill or exercise ECG, this test involves monitoring the heart while the patient walks on a treadmill. During the test:

• The patient’s heart rate and rhythm are closely observed
• Blood pressure is monitored
• Breathing rates are recorded

The stress test can help evaluate how the heart responds to physical exertion and may reveal abnormalities that are not apparent at rest.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies for Mitral Valve Prolapse

While mitral valve prolapse doesn’t always require treatment, management strategies may be necessary depending on the severity of the condition and associated symptoms. Treatment approaches can range from lifestyle modifications to medical interventions and, in some cases, surgical procedures.

Lifestyle Modifications

For many individuals with mild MVP, lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. These may include:

• Maintaining a heart-healthy diet
• Engaging in regular, moderate exercise
• Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger palpitations
• Stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga
• Quitting smoking

Medication

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or prevent complications. Common medications include:

• Beta-blockers: To help control heart rate and reduce palpitations
• Anticoagulants: To prevent blood clots in patients at higher risk
• Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup in cases of heart failure

Surgical Intervention

For severe cases of mitral valve prolapse, especially those with significant regurgitation, surgical repair or replacement of the valve may be necessary. The two main surgical options are:

1. Mitral valve repair: This procedure aims to restore proper function to the existing valve
2. Mitral valve replacement: In this procedure, the damaged valve is replaced with an artificial valve

The choice between repair and replacement depends on various factors, including the severity of the prolapse, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise.

Living with Mitral Valve Prolapse: Long-term Outlook and Prognosis

The long-term outlook for individuals with mitral valve prolapse is generally favorable. Many people with MVP lead normal, active lives without any significant complications. However, regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor the condition and address any changes or new symptoms that may develop over time.

What are the potential complications of untreated mitral valve prolapse?

While complications are rare, untreated or severe mitral valve prolapse can potentially lead to:

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms that may require treatment
• Endocarditis: An infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves
• Heart failure: In cases of severe, long-standing mitral regurgitation
• Pulmonary hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries

Regular medical follow-up and adherence to prescribed treatments can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.

Advances in Mitral Valve Prolapse Research and Treatment

The field of cardiology continues to make strides in understanding and treating mitral valve prolapse. Recent advancements include:

Improved Imaging Techniques

Advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D echocardiography and cardiac MRI, provide more detailed views of the mitral valve structure and function. These improvements allow for more accurate diagnosis and better surgical planning when necessary.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Minimally invasive approaches to mitral valve repair and replacement are becoming more common. These techniques often result in shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

For high-risk patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery, transcatheter techniques offer a less invasive option for mitral valve repair. These procedures involve accessing the heart through a small incision and using specialized devices to improve valve function.

Genetic Research

Ongoing genetic studies aim to identify specific genes associated with mitral valve prolapse. This research may lead to improved risk assessment and potentially new targeted therapies in the future.

As research in the field of mitral valve prolapse continues to evolve, patients can look forward to more personalized and effective treatment options. Regular consultation with a cardiologist remains crucial for staying informed about the latest advancements and determining the most appropriate management strategy for each individual case.

Mitral Valve Prolapse | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is the mitral valve?

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle and is composed of two flaps. Normally the flaps are held tightly closed during left ventricular contraction (systole) by the chordae tendineae (small tendon “cords” that connect the flaps to the muscles of the heart). In Mitral Valve Prolapse, the flaps enlarge and stretch inward toward the left atrium, sometimes “snapping” during systole, and may allow some backflow of blood into the left atrium (regurgitation).

What causes Mitral Valve Prolapse?

The cause of Mitral Valve Prolapse is unknown, but is thought to be linked to heredity. Primary and secondary forms of Mitral Valve Prolapse are described below.

• Primary Mitral Valve Prolapse. Primary Mitral Valve Prolapse is distinguished by thickening of one or both valve flaps. Other effects are fibrosis (scarring) of the flap surface, thinning or lengthening of the chordae tendineae, and fibrin deposits on the flaps. The primary form of Mitral Valve Prolapse is seen frequently in people with Marfan’s Syndrome or other inherited connective tissue diseases, but is most often seen in people with no other form of heart disease.

• Secondary Mitral Valve Prolapse. In secondary Mitral Valve Prolapse, the flaps are not thickened. The prolapse may be due to ischemic damage (caused by decreased blood flow as a result of coronary artery disease) to the papillary muscles attached to the chordae tendineae or to functional changes in the myocardium. Secondary Mitral Valve Prolapse may result from damage to valvular structures during acute myocardial infarction, rheumatic heart disease, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (occurs when the muscle mass of the left ventricle of the heart is larger than normal).

What are the symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Mitral valve prolapse may not cause any symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may vary depending on the degree of prolapse present and may include:

• Palpitations. Palpitations (sensation of fast or irregular heart beat) are the most common complaint among patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse. The palpitations are usually associated with premature ventricular contractions (the ventricles beat sooner than they should), but supraventricular rhythms (abnormal rhythms that begin above the ventricles) have also been detected. In some cases, patients may experience palpitations without observed dysrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm).

• Chest pain. Chest pain associated with Mitral Valve Prolapse is different from chest pain associated with coronary artery disease and is a frequent complaint. Usually the chest pain is not like classic angina, but can be recurrent and incapacitating.

Depending on the severity of the leak into the left atrium during systole (mitral regurgitation), the left atrium and/or left ventricle may become enlarged, leading to symptoms of heart failure. These symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

The symptoms of mitral valve prolapse may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How is Mitral Valve Prolapse diagnosed?

People with Mitral Valve Prolapse often have no symptoms and detection of a click or murmur may be discovered during a routine examination.

Mitral Valve Prolapse may be detected by listening with a stethoscope, revealing a “click” (created by the stretched flaps snapping against each other during contraction) and/or a murmur. The murmur is caused by some of the blood leaking back into the left atrium. The click or murmur may be the only clinical sign.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Mitral Valve Prolapse may include any, or a combination, of the following:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.

• Echocardiogram (also called echo). A noninvasive test that uses sound waves to evaluate the heart’s chambers and valves. The echo sound waves create an image on the monitor as an ultrasound transducer is passed over the heart. Echocardiography is the most useful diagnostic test for Mitral Valve Prolapse.

In some situations where symptoms are more severe, additional diagnostic procedures may be performed. Additional procedures may include:

• Stress test (also called treadmill or exercise ECG). A test that is performed while a patient walks on a treadmill to monitor the heart during exercise. Breathing and blood pressure rates are also monitored.

• Cardiac catheterization. With this procedure, X-rays are taken after a contrast agent is injected into an artery to locate any narrowing, occlusions, or other abnormalities of specific arteries. In addition, the function of the heart and the valves may be assessed.

• Cardiac MRI. This is a noninvasive test that produces comprehensive images of the heart. It may be used as a complement to echo for a more precise look at the heart valves and heart muscle, or in preparation for heart valve surgery.

How is Mitral Valve Prolapse treated?

Specific treatment for mitral valve prolapse will be determined by your doctor based on:

• Your overall health and medical history

• Extent of the disease

• Your signs and symptoms

• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the disease

• Your opinion or preference

Treatment is not usually necessary as Mitral Valve Prolapse is rarely a serious condition. Regular checkups with a doctor are advised.

People with rhythm disturbances may need to be treated with beta blockers or other medications to control tachycardias (fast heart rhythms). In most cases, limiting stimulants, such as caffeine and cigarettes, is all that is needed to control symptoms.

If atrial fibrillation or severe left atrial enlargement is present, treatment with an anticoagulant may be recommended. This can be in the form of aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) therapy.

For the person with symptoms of dizziness or fainting, maintaining adequate hydration (fluid volume in the blood vessels) with liberal salt and fluid intake is important. Support stockings may be beneficial.

If severe mitral regurgitation resulting from a floppy mitral leaflet, rupture of the chordae tendineae, or extreme lengthening of the valve should occur, surgical repair may be indicated.

What is the prognosis for Mitral Valve Prolapse?

This condition is usually harmless and does not shorten life expectancy. Healthy lifestyle behaviors and regular exercise are encouraged.

Problem: Mitral Valve Prolapse | American Heart Association

What’s mitral valve prolapse?

Mitral valve prolapse, also called MVP, is a condition in which the two valve flaps of the mitral valve don’t close smoothly or evenly, but bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium. Mitral valve prolapse is also known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow’s syndrome or floppy valve syndrome.

What happens during MVP?

When the heart pumps (contracts) part of one or both flaps collapse backward into the left atrium. In some cases, the prolapsed valve lets a small amount of blood leak backward through the valve, called regurgitation, which may cause a heart murmur.

Watch an animation of mitral valve prolapse.

Is mitral valve prolapse dangerous?

In most cases, it’s harmless. Most people who have the condition are unaware of it and their health isn’t affected. However, in some cases treatment is required.

What causes MVP?

The most common cause of MVP is abnormally stretchy valve leaflets (called myxomatous valve disease). Mitral valve prolapse occurs in around 2% of the population. A person can be born with the genetic risk of developing MVP. It also can be caused by other health problems, such as some connective tissue diseases.

How’s mitral valve prolapse detected?

Because most patients with MVP don’t have symptoms, a murmur may be detected during a routine physical exam when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Common symptoms include bursts of rapid heartbeat (palpitations), chest discomfort and fatigue.

What should I do if a murmur is detected?

Even for those who aren’t having symptoms, if a murmur is detected suggesting mitral valve prolapse, an echocardiogram (echo) is recommended. The echo uses ultrasound to evaluate the characteristics of the valve cusps and how much blood may be leaking (regurgitation) from the valve when the heart contracts. Another test may be cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), also known as cardiac MRI. The test results and extent of your symptoms will guide your health care team in determining if further testing is needed.

Does mitral valve prolapse need to be treated?

In many instances, having MVP won’t impact your health and requires no treatment. Talk with your health care team about how to prevent complications from MVP based on your level of risk. If you’re prescribed medication, take it as directed.

People with an abnormal mitral valve may need mitral valve repair or replacement if:

• Symptoms are getting worse
• Mitral regurgitation becomes severe
• The left ventricle or left atrium of the heart become enlarged
• Arrhythmias develop
• The heart function (ejection fraction) decreases

MVP rarely becomes a serious condition. However, in the most serious cases it can cause abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) that may eventually become life-threatening.

When mitral valve prolapse is severe enough to cause significant valve leakage, called “regurgitation,” it can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. This happens because when the valve leaks, it can cause the atrium to enlarge. An enlarged atrium may lead to heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, which may cause blood clots to form. When clots travel from the heart to the arteries or the brain, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Know the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke.

Do people with MVP need to take antibiotics before dental procedures?

The use of antibiotics before having a dental procedure is no longer recommended by the American Heart Association for patients with mitral valve prolapse, regardless of whether they have associated symptoms. 

Additional resources:

• Print our handy pre-surgery checklist: Facing and Recovering from Major Surgery (PDF)(link opens in new window) | Spanish (PDF)
• Patient guide: Understanding Your Heart Valve Problem (PDF)(link opens in new window) | Spanish (PDF)

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: Feb 9, 2021

Mitral valve prolapse – the opinion of the doctors of the clinic MediArt

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Mitral valve prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse is a problem that is accompanied by dysfunction of the heart valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

When the atrium contracts, the valve opens and blood flows into the ventricle, the valve closes and blood flows out into the aorta.

With pathology of the connective tissue or changes in the heart muscle, the structure of the valve changes, its valves “bend”, as a result, part of the blood is sent back to the atrium.

Symptoms of severe mitral valve prolapse are:

• pain in the region of the heart,
• fainting,
• interruptions in the work of the heart,
• dizziness,
• shortness of breath.

The reasons for the appearance of this pathology are not completely clear. But it is clear that they can be congenital genetic disorders, or they can appear under the influence of a number of reasons.

Acquired causes of mitral valve prolapse can be:

It is clear that severe mitral valve prolapse can be dangerous. But most people with this disease generally live normally for many years, the dysfunction of the valve occurs slowly, the symptoms appear only when the degree of prolapse reaches a certain value, that is, the valve leaflets bend strongly. This occurs with the second and third degrees of prolapse.

Problems in this case are rupture of the cardiac chords, infective endocarditis, myxomatous changes in the valve leaflets, heart failure, and even sudden death. Fortunately, the latter with mitral valve prolapse is very rare.

Disease grades

1. degree – the valve leaflets bend by 3-6 mm.

2. degree – bend by 9 mm maximum.

3. degree – bend more than 9 mm.

Treatment of disease

Treatment is prescribed by a cardiologist and only if the prolapse is accompanied by heart rhythm disturbances and pain in the heart.

In addition to special drugs, tranquilizers are usually used. The patient is often taught auto-training and muscle relaxation.

It is often necessary to change the lifestyle so that there is no overwork and excessive stress.

Moderate physical activity is recommended, sometimes special breathing exercises, compulsory rest is desirable at resorts, water procedures, spinal massage.

It is recommended to stop smoking, drink strong tea and coffee, and exclude alcohol.

Special preparations are usually prescribed for diseases of the 2nd and 3rd degrees . But pills cannot affect the valve itself: they only relieve symptoms.

Usually these are drugs to improve metabolism (“Carnitine”, “Vitaline”, “Tison” and others), infusions of valerian and motherwort. With arrhythmia, beta-blockers are prescribed.

Surgical intervention is usually used in difficult cases, for example, when the leaflets of the mitral valve are torn off. In this case, the valve ring is strengthened or a new valve is inserted.

Prevention of the disease mainly consists in working to reduce the risk of the appearance of 2 and 3 degrees of the disease.

It is necessary to regularly visit a cardiologist, observe the regime of rest and nutrition, and exercise.

It should be noted that the disease is usually congenital and sometimes it naturally becomes necessary to treat it in children.

Authors of the article:

Kulikov Kirill Georgievich

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mitral valve prolapse

Home » Cardiology » Mitral valve prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse is a clinical anatomical syndrome in which one or two leaflets of the mitral valve sag into the left atrial cavity during left ventricular systole. At the same time, the valves can be tightly closed or form an opening of any size through which part of the blood will return from the left ventricle back to the left atrium. This condition in cardiology is called “mitral regurgitation” and has four degrees of severity in terms of the volume of returned blood.

It should be understood that mitral valve prolapse is not a disease, but a condition that can be independent or result from other diseases. Usually, this clinical and anatomical syndrome is combined with other heart defects or prolapse of the leaflets of other heart valves.

Classification

Today there is no definite generally accepted classification of mitral valve prolapse.

Most often, prolapse is distinguished by the form of origin on:

Primary – identified separately and is usually the result of congenital disorders or hereditary predisposition. It usually occurs as a result of congenital connective tissue dysplasia. Most often, mitral valve prolapse is inherited by the child (usually girls) on the maternal side. Moreover, in a third of patients, the presence of blood relatives with psychosomatic diseases and/or with connective tissue dysplasia is detected. Also, primary mitral valve prolapse can occur as a result of chest trauma.

Secondary – occurs as a result of other diseases that are considered to be primary. However, in any case, there is always a relationship between prolapse and inferiority of the connective tissue. Quite often, secondary mitral valve prolapse is accompanied by such hereditary syndromes as Ehlers-Danlo-Chernogubov, Marfan, osteogenesis imperfecta, contracture congenital arachnodactyly, elastic pseudoxanthomia, and so on. Diseases that can develop mitral valve prolapse include: rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, various heart defects, non-rheumatic carditis, some types of arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, various endocrine pathologies, in particular hyperthyroidism, autonomic dystonia, acquired myxomatosis, impaired contractility of the papillary muscles and myocardium, violation valvular structure as a result of inflammatory processes, asynchronous work of certain parts of the heart, valve-ventricular disproportion, and so on.

According to the localization of the prolapse, they distinguish:

• Anterior – when the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve prolapses.
• Posterior – characterized by prolapse of the posterior lobe of the mitral valve.
• Both leaflets – respectively, prolapse of two leaflets of the mitral valve at once.

Sometimes only unicuspid or bicuspid prolapse is distinguished.

According to the severity of prolapse:

• I degree – deflection from 3 to 2 mm.
• II degree – deflection from 3 to 6 mm.
• III degree – deflection from 6 to 9 mm.
• IV degree – deflection more than 9 mm.

According to auscultatory signs they distinguish:

According to hemodynamic disturbances, they are distinguished:

• Without regurgitation (blood reflux)
• With regurgitation, which is divided into four degrees of severity according to the volume of blood thrown).

According to the clinical picture, they are distinguished:

• Asymptomatic form or “silent” mitral valve prolapse.
• Prolapse with a mild clinical picture.
• Prolapse with an average clinical picture.
• Prolapse with a severe bright manifestation of the clinical picture.

Also distinguish between congenital and acquired prolapse.

Congenital prolapse is divided into:

• Associated with congenital heart defects.
• Developed in utero as a result of an anomaly in the structure of the mitral valve cusps.
• As a result of hereditary diseases of the connective tissue.

Acquired prolapse is:

• of rheumatic origin,
• due to calcification of the base in the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve,
• various dysfunctions and properties of the papillary muscle,
• chronic valvulitis, especially with CCTD,
• due to infective endocarditis,
• in case of violation of the integrity of the chords of the wings,
• on the background of subaortic or aortic stenosis.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of mitral valve prolapse is very variable and is not an indication for a diagnosis, but can only lead to speculation.

Patients may complain about:

• Pain in the region of the heart, often dull, but sometimes sharp and always passing quickly.
• Palpitations. Usually not associated with physical activity. Sometimes there are very pronounced up to 200 beats per minute.
• Sometimes a paroxysmal arrhythmia can develop, which is felt by patients as “failures in the work of the heart.”
• Very often there are disorders of the nervous system: severe migraine-like pain, anxiety, irritability, fainting, autonomic crises, mood swings, depression, panic attacks, and so on.
• The most common complaints of physical weakness: fatigue, shortness of breath, hypermobility of the joints, underdeveloped muscles, poor posture, pterygoid shoulder blades, scoliosis, myopia, flat feet and so on.

Diagnosis

The most important thing is to differentiate mitral valve prolapse from insufficiency of this valve, as well as from dysfunction of the valvular apparatus of the myocardium and from various minor anomalies in the development of the heart. In this regard, listening to noise alone is not enough.
ECG is not always indicative, and sometimes it does not have any changes at all.
Radiography of the heart will also give practically nothing, since the myocardium does not increase or sometimes has a slight bulging of the pulmonary arch (pulmonary artery arch) due to inferiority of the connective tissue, but is not the final indicator of the presence of mitral valve prolapse.
The most informative and revealing is EchoCG, according to which the final diagnosis is made.

Treatment

Mitral valve prolapse usually does not require any treatment. This is especially true of the “silent” form of prolapse. In some cases, symptomatic assistance is prescribed to improve the psycho-emotional and vegetative status of the patient. With auscultatory mitral valve prolapse, in the absence of special noticeable disorders and a satisfactory response to physical activity, adults are advised to switch to light work, and children should not participate in sports games associated with sudden movements. In general, moderate physical labor and exemption from physical education at school is not required.
In the presence of mitral regurgitation of any degree and severe disorders, as well as in the presence of a distinct arrhythmia, a strict restriction in physical activity and the appointment of exercise therapy with an individual approach are necessary.
In the presence of episodes of loss of consciousness or in the anamnesis of relatives of death from coronary insufficiency, prescribe non-selective magnesium preparations or cardioselective beta-blockers.
With significant mitral valve prolapse with severe persistent insufficiency, surgical repair of the valve, prosthetics or implantation may be indicated.

Forecast

In general, the forecast is favorable. Many patients live happily into old age and die for completely different reasons. And sometimes with age, mitral valve prolapse significantly decreases and sometimes disappears altogether. The course of prolapse, as a rule, is benign, long and favorable. Mitral valve dysfunction progresses very slowly and a stable condition usually lasts throughout life.

cardiologist consultation

Other articles on cardiology:

• Mitral valve insufficiency – classification and causes
• Mitral stenosis
• Heart defects – classification, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
• Intraventricular blocks
• Holter ECG monitoring: general information
• Ventricular preexcitation syndromes
• Extrasystole: causes, classification, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis
• Tachycardia: types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
• Bradycardia: description, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
• Atrial flutter
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diagnosis and treatment of heart failure
• Heart failure classification and clinical manifestations
• Heart failure: causes, pathogenesis, general description
• Prevention of angina pectoris
• Variant angina
• Resting angina pectoris
• Treatment of angina pectoris
• Diagnosis of angina pectoris
• Angina pectoris or stable angina.