Mitral valve prolapse or sometimes called mitral valve prolapse syndrome is a connective tissue disorder affecting the leaflets of the mitral valve. As a result the cusps of the mitral valve bulge into the left atrium during left ventricular contraction resulting in regurgitation of blood into the atrium.

About 4 % of the population have Mitral valve prolapse syndrome. The weak connective (binding) tissue of the valve leaflets will result in redundancy of the valve leading to blood leakage into the left atrium. The condition is considered serious if blood regurgitation becomes severe, or if the valve is infected or if the chordae (Thin Ropes) that hold the valve is ruptured.

Symptoms and diagnosis of Mitral valve Prolapse

Affected patients rarely complain of any symptoms but some of them may experience rapid heart beats, chest pain, palpitations, easy fatigue, and migraine. Diagnosis is usually accidental during a routine physical examination. Doctors usually hear a clicking sound when they listen to the heart with a stethoscope. If the condition is associated with severe regurgitation, a characteristic heart murmur is heard. Doctors usually order an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and asses the degree and severity of regurgitation if present.

Treatment:

Most of the patients will not require treatment. If there are rapid heart beats, a medication called beta-blocker is prescribed to control the rate of the heart and bring it back to normal. If there is associated mitral regurgitation, diuretics may be added to treatment. Antibiotics will be advised as a prophylaxis before some dental and surgical procedures to decrease the risk of infective endocarditis.

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