What is mitral valve prolapse. How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed. What are the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. What causes mitral valve prolapse. How does mitral valve prolapse affect the heart. Can mitral valve prolapse lead to complications. Is mitral valve prolapse a serious condition.

Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: An In-Depth Look

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 procedures.

The Anatomy of the Mitral Valve: Structure and 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.

How does mitral valve prolapse affect the valve’s structure?

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

Exploring the Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse

While the exact cause of mitral valve prolapse remains unknown, researchers believe that heredity plays a significant role. MVP can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary.

Primary Mitral Valve Prolapse

Primary MVP is characterized by the thickening of one or both valve flaps. This form of MVP may also involve:

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

Primary MVP is frequently observed in individuals with Marfan’s Syndrome or other inherited connective tissue diseases. However, it is most commonly seen in people with no other form of heart disease.

Secondary Mitral Valve Prolapse

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

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

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse

It’s important to note that mitral valve prolapse may not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the degree of prolapse present. Some common symptoms include:

Palpitations: The Most 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.

Chest Pain: A Distinctive Discomfort

Chest pain associated with mitral valve prolapse differs from that experienced in coronary artery disease. While it can be recurrent and incapacitating, it typically doesn’t present as classic angina.

Heart Failure Symptoms: When Regurgitation Becomes Severe

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

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Diagnosing Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Diagnosing mitral valve prolapse often involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic procedures. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process:

Physical Examination: Listening for Telltale Signs

During a routine examination, a healthcare provider may detect MVP by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. They may hear a distinctive “click” created by the stretched flaps snapping against each other during contraction. In some cases, a murmur may also be present, caused by blood leaking back into the left atrium.

Diagnostic Procedures: Beyond the Stethoscope

To confirm a diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse and assess its severity, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the heart’s electrical activity, revealing abnormal rhythms and potential heart muscle damage.
2. Echocardiogram: Considered the most useful diagnostic test for MVP, this non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to evaluate the heart’s chambers and valves.
3. Stress Test: In cases where symptoms are more severe, a stress test may be performed to monitor the heart during exercise.

The Impact of Mitral Valve Prolapse on Heart Function

Understanding how mitral valve prolapse affects overall heart function is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. While many individuals with MVP lead normal lives without significant complications, the condition can potentially impact cardiovascular health in several ways.

Altered Blood Flow Dynamics

The primary effect of mitral valve prolapse is the potential for blood to flow backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole. This regurgitation can lead to:

• Increased workload on the left atrium
• Potential enlargement of the left atrium over time
• Reduced efficiency of blood pumping to the body

Arrhythmias and Electrical Disturbances

MVP has been associated with various heart rhythm disturbances, including:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Premature ventricular contractions

These arrhythmias can contribute to the palpitations commonly experienced by MVP patients and, in rare cases, may increase the risk of sudden cardiac events.

Potential Complications of Mitral Valve Prolapse

While many people with mitral valve prolapse experience no significant health issues, the condition can lead to complications in some cases. Understanding these potential risks is essential for proper management and monitoring.

Progressive Mitral Regurgitation

In some individuals, the degree of mitral regurgitation may worsen over time, leading to:

• Increased strain on the heart
• Potential development of heart failure
• Need for surgical intervention in severe cases

Infective Endocarditis Risk

People with mitral valve prolapse may have a slightly increased risk of developing infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart’s inner lining. This risk is particularly relevant for individuals with significant mitral regurgitation or thickened valve leaflets.

Thromboembolism Considerations

In rare cases, mitral valve prolapse has been associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation or significant mitral regurgitation. This risk factor underscores the importance of regular monitoring and appropriate management strategies.

Treatment Approaches for Mitral Valve Prolapse

The management of mitral valve prolapse varies depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of symptoms. Treatment approaches range from watchful waiting to surgical intervention.

Conservative Management

For many individuals with mild MVP and no significant symptoms, conservative management may be sufficient. This approach typically involves:

• Regular monitoring through echocardiograms
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce stress on the heart
• Avoidance of caffeine and other stimulants that may exacerbate palpitations

Medication for Symptom Management

In cases where symptoms are more pronounced, medications may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. Common medications include:

• Beta-blockers to control heart rate and reduce palpitations
• Antiarrhythmic drugs for managing irregular heart rhythms
• Anticoagulants for patients at increased risk of thromboembolism

Surgical Interventions

For severe cases of mitral valve prolapse with significant regurgitation, surgical repair or replacement of the mitral valve may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Mitral valve repair: Preserving the patient’s own valve through techniques such as annuloplasty or leaflet repair
• Mitral valve replacement: Replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve

The choice between repair and replacement depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and the specific characteristics of their mitral valve prolapse.

Living with Mitral Valve Prolapse: Lifestyle Considerations

For individuals diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, adopting certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and promote overall heart health. Here are some key considerations:

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise is generally beneficial for people with MVP, but it’s important to approach physical activity wisely:

• Consult with a healthcare provider to determine appropriate exercise intensity
• Engage in a mix of aerobic activities and strength training
• Be aware of any symptoms that may arise during exercise and report them to your doctor

Dietary Considerations

While there’s no specific diet for mitral valve prolapse, maintaining a heart-healthy eating plan can be beneficial:

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limit sodium intake to help control blood pressure
• Consider reducing or eliminating caffeine if it exacerbates palpitations

Stress Management

Stress can sometimes trigger or worsen MVP symptoms. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be helpful:

• Practice relaxation methods such as deep breathing or meditation
• Engage in regular physical activity to help manage stress
• Consider counseling or support groups if needed

Ongoing Research and Future Directions in Mitral Valve Prolapse

The field of mitral valve prolapse research continues to evolve, with ongoing studies aimed at improving our understanding of the condition and developing more effective treatment strategies.

Genetic Studies

Researchers are delving deeper into the genetic factors associated with mitral valve prolapse:

• Identifying specific genes that may contribute to MVP development
• Exploring potential genetic therapies for prevention or treatment
• Investigating familial patterns to improve early detection and intervention

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Advancements in medical imaging are enhancing our ability to diagnose and monitor mitral valve prolapse:

• 3D echocardiography for more detailed valve assessment
• Cardiac MRI to evaluate tissue characteristics and blood flow dynamics
• Artificial intelligence applications in image analysis for improved diagnosis accuracy

Minimally Invasive Surgical Innovations

Ongoing research is focused on developing less invasive surgical techniques for mitral valve repair:

• Transcatheter mitral valve repair procedures
• Robotic-assisted surgical approaches
• Novel materials and devices for valve repair and replacement

As research in these areas progresses, it is likely that our approach to diagnosing, managing, and treating mitral valve prolapse will continue to evolve, offering new hope and improved outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.

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 | Blog “Health Plus”

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a pathology in which the functions of the valve, which is located between the ventricle of the heart and the atrium, are impaired. This pathology is most often detected by chance, since in half of the cases it does not have any symptoms. At the same time, mitral valve prolapse is not a serious pathology of the heart and, with adequate treatment, its prognosis is very favorable.

MVP is most often congenital, but sometimes it also occurs due to weakening of the connective tissue of the heart valves.

In the first case, mitral valve prolapse is hereditary. Usually, congenital MVP is not accompanied by any special symptoms and, moreover, does not require serious complex treatment.

The situation is different with secondary prolapse. It usually occurs against the background of some disease that disrupts the structure of chords, valves or papillary muscles. These diseases include: ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, rheumatism, chest trauma.

Mitral valve prolapse is usually diagnosed incidentally if the patient is scheduled for cardiac ultrasound for any reason. Ultrasound examination allows you to identify the specific degree of prolapse and the amount of regurgitation.

In MVP 1st degree leaflet swelling is insignificant and does not exceed 5 mm.

In grade 2 , leaflets bulge within 9 mm, and in grade 3 mitral valve prolapse, leaflet bulge exceeds 10 mm.

If this pathology is detected, the doctor may prescribe additional studies that will determine the features of the heart. These additional studies include ECG and Holter ECG. Since violations of the heart can occur under certain conditions (during sleep, during physical exertion, etc.), it is relevant to conduct a Holter ECG. In this case, observation is carried out within a day, and not in a few minutes, as with a conventional ECG.

Treatment of mitral valve prolapse in some cases is not required, as it does not cause serious problems in the work of the heart. In other cases, the treatment of MVP is necessary – if the heart rhythm is seriously loaded or pain in the heart occurs. With a combination of PMK and neurotic disorders, the doctor prescribes tranquilizers to the patient, he is recommended to do auto-training or muscle relaxation.

The patient needs to change his lifestyle in such a way as to exclude overwork and overload, including emotional, as well as intoxication. In the treatment of MVP, spa treatment, massage, acupuncture perfectly help. With hyperventilation syndrome, it is recommended to do special breathing exercises. In the presence of asthenic disorders, the patient will benefit from taking multivitamins.

Even if the examination shows that MVP is not dangerous for health , the patient needs to regularly visit a doctor, as prolapse progresses with age and can lead to complications.

Conservative treatment for MVP is aimed at preventing the development of myocardial neurodystrophy in a patient and at preventing infective endocarditis. With the development of the disease, if changes in the work of the heart increase, and the valves strongly bend, surgical intervention may be required.

If any of the above symptoms are detected, you should contact a cardiologist.
You can make an appointment by calling 8 (928) 337-60-60.

“In Russia they started to do this quite recently”: heart surgeons from Volgograd performed a unique heart surgery 0002 Another unique operation the heart was performed by surgeons from the Volgograd State Medical University. The technique of clipping the mitral valve, which was used by scientists, was first used in the Southern Federal District. In Russia, this method has become available quite recently.

Such surgeries in Russia have recently started to be performed

Photo: VolgGMU

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How was V1.RU told in clinic No. 1 of VolgGMU? since last year, only 64 such operations have been performed throughout the country. It was first performed in Volgograd.

– A 70-year-old resident of the city of Volzhsky was admitted with complaints of weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath with minimal physical exertion, – V1. RU was told at the clinic of the Volgograd State Medical University. The general condition of the doctors was assessed as relatively stable. Examination revealed mitral valve prolapse of the third degree in the patient. This is a cardiac anomaly in which there is a reverse flow of blood from the ventricle to the left atrium.

Modern technologies allow cardiac surgeons to perform the finest work

Photo: VolgGMU

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The disease most often affects the elderly. But for most of them, treatment with the so-called open method is not suitable – due to the high risk of serious complications. Transcatheter clipping of the mitral valve has become an alternative method of treatment for patients with this pathology.

– Clips are installed for patients with mitral insufficiency, – doctors said, – we use them for patients who have a high surgical risk, older patients who have a low ejection fraction.

Professor Mozgovoy personally supervised the operation

Photo: VolgGMU

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Transcatheter valve clipping is a minimally invasive operation. That is, medical instruments are introduced to the mitral valve through a puncture in the femoral vein and the interatrial septum.

— A special device is inserted through these punctures, which allows delivering a special clip to the mitral valve, — says Professor Pavel Mozgovoy, Head of the Cardiac Surgery Department of the Clinic No. , the degree of mitral insufficiency decreases.

Putting a clip on the mitral valve is far from an easy task

Photo: VolgGMU

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Volgograd cardiac surgeons have already performed four operations on patients with mitral valve prolapse. Vera Svintsova was one of the first to receive such surgical assistance.