MVP, or mitral valve prolapse, is a condition in which the two valve flaps of the mitral valve don't work well. The flaps of the valve are "floppy" and don't close tightly. These flaps normally help seal or open the valve. Mitral valve prolapse is also known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow's syndrome or floppy valve syndrome.
In cases of MVP, upon contraction of the heart to pump blood to the organs, part of one or both flaps collapse backward into the left atrium. In some cases, a small blood leak occurs through the prolapsed valve, which may produce a heart murmur, or an abnormal sound picked up during heart examination.
In most cases, MVP is pretty much harmless. Most people who have the condition live normal lives and are mostly are unaware of it and their health is not affected. In some cases, however, treatment is required.
The most common cause of MVP is due to small, usually harmless, tumor-like growths of collagen on the valve leaflets (called myxomatous changes). Mitral valve prolapse occurs in 2 to 3 percent of the population. A person can be born with the genetic risk of developing MVP, or it can be caused by other health problems, such as some connective tissue diseases, namely a disease known as Marfan syndrome.
MVP is largely an asymptomatic condition, but a murmur may be detected incidentally during a routine physical examination when a healthcare provider uses a stethoscope to listen to the heart. In such cases, it is recommended to have an echocardiogram, or echo, done, in order to assess the extent of the prolapse, including characteristics of the valve cusps and how much blood may be leaking (regurgitation) from the valve when the heart contracts. The test results and extent of symptoms will guide the physician in deciding whether to order more tests and if medications are needed.
Symptoms of MVP, which in some cases may be related to leaking of the mitral valve, can include:
Chest pain (not caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
Shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat (orthopnea)
People with an abnormal mitral valve may need mitral valve repair or replacement if:
• Symptoms are getting worse
• The left ventricle of the heart is enlarged
• The heart function gets worse
When the degree of valve prolapse is severe enough to cause significant valve leakage, serious complications like stroke may happen, and this is because a mitral valve leaking (regurgitating) a significant amount of blood can cause blood clots to form. When clots travel from the heart to the arteries or the brain, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
The routine use of antibiotics before having a dental procedure is no longer recommended by the American Heart Association for patients with mitral valve prolapse regardless of whether or not they have any associated symptoms.
In cases of MVP, upon contraction of the heart to pump blood to the organs, part of one or both flaps collapse backward into the left atrium. In some cases, a small blood leak occurs through the prolapsed valve, which may produce a heart murmur, or an abnormal sound picked up during heart examination.
In most cases, MVP is pretty much harmless. Most people who have the condition live normal lives and are mostly are unaware of it and their health is not affected. In some cases, however, treatment is required.
The most common cause of MVP is due to small, usually harmless, tumor-like growths of collagen on the valve leaflets (called myxomatous changes). Mitral valve prolapse occurs in 2 to 3 percent of the population. A person can be born with the genetic risk of developing MVP, or it can be caused by other health problems, such as some connective tissue diseases, namely a disease known as Marfan syndrome.
MVP is largely an asymptomatic condition, but a murmur may be detected incidentally during a routine physical examination when a healthcare provider uses a stethoscope to listen to the heart. In such cases, it is recommended to have an echocardiogram, or echo, done, in order to assess the extent of the prolapse, including characteristics of the valve cusps and how much blood may be leaking (regurgitation) from the valve when the heart contracts. The test results and extent of symptoms will guide the physician in deciding whether to order more tests and if medications are needed.
Symptoms of MVP, which in some cases may be related to leaking of the mitral valve, can include:
Chest pain (not caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
Shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat (orthopnea)
People with an abnormal mitral valve may need mitral valve repair or replacement if:
• Symptoms are getting worse
• The left ventricle of the heart is enlarged
• The heart function gets worse
When the degree of valve prolapse is severe enough to cause significant valve leakage, serious complications like stroke may happen, and this is because a mitral valve leaking (regurgitating) a significant amount of blood can cause blood clots to form. When clots travel from the heart to the arteries or the brain, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
The routine use of antibiotics before having a dental procedure is no longer recommended by the American Heart Association for patients with mitral valve prolapse regardless of whether or not they have any associated symptoms.
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