Mitral valve prolapse: Overview
Your heart is a muscular pump that has four chambers and four valves. Your mitral valve is like a one-way gate that regulates blood flow in your heart. It allows blood to flow in only one direction, from the upper to the lower heart chamber on the left side of the heart. Normally the mitral valve closes after blood flows through it. This keeps blood from leaking back into the upper chamber. In mitral valve prolapse, the flap of the valve bulges backward (prolapses) into the upper chamber.
In most cases, a prolapse does not cause a problem. This is because the seal between the two heart chambers remains tight enough to prevent a leak, and blood moves normally through the valve.
You will probably not need treatment for mitral valve prolapse. You may not have symptoms. But you have a risk for a problem called mitral valve regurgitation. With this problem, the flaps of the mitral valve do not seal tightly and blood leaks back into the upper chamber. Your doctor will likely check for signs of this problem at regular checkups.
Mitral valve prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition that affects the mitral valve between the left upper chamber (left atrium) and left lower chamber (left ventricle) of the heart. Normally the mitral valve closes smoothly after blood flows through it from the upper to the lower chamber. This keeps blood from leaking back into the upper chamber. In mitral valve prolapse, the flap of the valve bulges backward (prolapses) into the upper chamber.
In most people, mitral valve prolapse does not cause any symptoms, usually does not cause any health problems, and does not require treatment. This is because the seal between the two heart chambers remains tight enough to prevent a leak, and blood moves normally through the valve.
Sometimes blood may leak backward through the prolapsed valve into the atrium. This condition is called mitral valve regurgitation.
What are the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse?
Most people do not have any symptoms. You may not even know you have MVP until a doctor hears a "clicking" sound or a murmur when listening to your heart. Your doctor may want you to have a test called an echocardiogram to check for mitral valve prolapse.
How is mitral valve prolapse treated?
Most people who have mitral valve prolapse do not need treatment for it. You will likely get regular tests that check how well the mitral valve is working. A heart-healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are recommended for most people.
How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. You may have an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound, to diagnose this condition.
How can you care for yourself when you have mitral valve prolapse?
Heart-healthy lifestyle
- Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. These foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
- Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
- Manage other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.
Activity
- Be active. If you have not been active before, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is a condition that affects the mitral valve of the heart.
The mitral valve is between the left upper chamber (left atrium) and left lower chamber (left ventricle) of the heart. This valve has two leaflets, or flaps, that open when the heart relaxes and close when it contracts. The base of each leaflet is attached to the heart muscle by strong, flexible cords called the chordae tendineae, which control the opening and closing of the mitral valve. These cords are thin and white. They look like the strings of a parachute.
In a normal heart, the two mitral valve flaps close completely, and stay closed, when blood is pumped out of the heart to the body.
When you have mitral valve prolapse, the valve closes after blood flows through. But the valve flaps bulge backward a little when blood is pumped out of the heart. When the valve bulges, it looks like a tiny parachute or balloon.
What causes mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse may be caused by certain health problems such as connective tissue diseases or endocarditis. Mitral valve prolapse can also be passed down through family members. With mitral valve prolapse, there are physical changes with the valve.
Mitral valve prolapse: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or increased shortness of breath.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you are not getting better as expected.
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