Mitral valve prolapse Health Article

Definition

Mitral valve prolapse is a heart problem in which the valve that separates the upper and lower chambers of the left side of the heart does not close properly.

Alternative Names

Barlow syndrome; Floppy mitral valve; Myxomatous mitral valve; Billowing mitral valve; Systolic click-murmur syndrome; Prolapsing mitral leaflet syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The mitral valve helps blood on the left side of the heart flow in one direction. It closes to keep blood from moving backwards when the heart beats (contracts).

Mitral valve prolapse is the term used when the valve does not close properly. It can be caused by many different things. In most cases, it is harmless and patients usually do not know they have the problem. As much as 10% of the population has some minor, insignificant form of mitral valve prolapse, but it does not generally affect their lifestyle.

In a small number of cases, the prolapse can cause blood to leak backwards. This is called mitral regurgitation. It may need to be treated with medication or surgery.

Mitral valves that are structurally abnormal can raise the risk for bacterial infection.

Some forms of mitral valve prolapse seem to be passed down through families (inherited). Mitral valve prolapse has been associated with Graves disease.

Mitral valve prolapse often affects thin women who may have minor chest wall deformities, scoliosis, or other disorders.

Mitral valve prolapse is associated with some connective tissue disorders, especially Marfan syndrome. Other conditions include:

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Osteogenesis imperfects
• Polycystic kidney disease

Symptoms

Many patients with mitral valve prolapse do not have symptoms. The group of symptoms found in patients with mitral valve prolapse is called "mitral valve prolapse syndrome" and includes:

• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Chest pain (not caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack)
• Difficulty breathing after activity
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Shortness of breath when lying flat (orthopnea)

Note: There may be no symptoms or symptoms may develop slowly.