What is a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the flaps (cusps) of the heart’s mitral valve do not close evenly or smoothly. Normally, the mitral valve closes snugly to prevent blood from flowing backward into the heart’s upper chamber (left atrium) when the lower chamber (left ventricle) contracts. When one or both of the valve’s flaps bulge or prolapse back into the left atrium during the heart’s contraction, it is considered a mitral valve prolapse.
What Are the Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse?
There are several potential causes of mitral valve prolapse (MVP):
- Genetics: often runs in families.
- Connective tissue disorders: conditions affecting heart valve structure.
- Abnormal collagen: weakens mitral valve tissue.
- Structural issues: birth defects or abnormalities.
- Age and gender: more common in women aged 20-40.
- Other factors: high blood pressure, a history of heart attack
It’s important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing MVP, not everyone with these risk factors will develop the condition.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) often presents with symptoms such as irregular or rapid heartbeats (palpitations), occasional sharp chest pains, persistent fatigue, difficulty breathing during physical activity or while lying flat, sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness, heightened anxiety or panic attacks, and sometimes migraine headaches. These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency from person to person.
What Are the Risk Factors of a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) risk factors include family history, connective tissue disorders, age (especially women aged 20–40), heart structural issues, and high blood pressure or past heart problems.
How Is a Mitral Valve Prolapse Diagnosed?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is typically diagnosed through:
- Physical examination: Your doctor may listen to your heart with a stethoscope to detect any abnormal heart sounds (murmurs) associated with MVP.
- Echocardiogram: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function, allowing doctors to visualize the mitral valve and determine if it is prolapsing.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify any irregularities in heart rhythm that may be associated with MVP.
- Holter monitor: For individuals with symptoms like palpitations, a Holter monitor may be used to continuously record the heart’s electrical activity over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours.
- Stress test: This test involves monitoring your heart’s activity while you exercise, typically on a treadmill or stationary bike, to evaluate how well your heart functions under stress.
These diagnostic tests help healthcare professionals confirm the presence of MVP and assess its severity.
What Are Possible Treatments for a Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Possible treatments for mitral valve prolapse (MVP) include lifestyle changes, medications to manage symptoms, surgical intervention for severe cases, antibiotics to prevent infections, and regular monitoring through check-ups and echocardiograms. Treatment plans are personalized based on symptom severity and individual health factors.
Are There Preventative Steps to Avoid a Mitral Valve Prolapse?
There are no specific steps to prevent mitral valve prolapse since it’s often congenital or related to genetic factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, attending regular medical check-ups, and following treatment recommendations can potentially reduce the risk of complications from MVP.
What Are the Risks if a Mitral Valve Prolapse Is Left Untreated?
Untreated mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can lead to complications such as mitral valve regurgitation, infective endocarditis, arrhythmias, heart failure, and stroke.
