Definition:

Mitral valve prolapse is a valve condition where the mitral valve does not open and close properly.  It is the most common heart valve abnormality and is usually benign.  However, it can lead to mitral regurgitation, endocarditis, stroke, and cardiac death, and it is the #1 cause for mitral regurgitation.  The causes include: myxomatous proliferation (a tumor near the valve), connective tissue disease, coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease (history of rheumatic fever), and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms:

• Palpitations
• Angina - chest pain
• Shortness of breath - with exertion, lying flat
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Physical appearance - low body weight, scoliosis, hypermobility of joints

Diagnosis:

• Physical exam - midsystolic click with late-systolic murmur on stethoscope
• Chest X-Ray - may show evidence of mitral regurgitation
• Echocardiography - used to diagnose mitral valve prolapse

Treatment:

• If symptomatic, trial of beta-blockers first
• If showing signs of neurological dysfunction, daily aspiring, stop smoking and oral contraception
• If severe and leads to mitral regurgitation, may need surgery (mitral valve repair/replacement)