Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when the leaflets of the mitral valve bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium like a parachute during the heart's contraction.
Mitral valve prolapse sometimes leads to blood leaking backward into the left atrium, a condition called mitral valve regurgitation. In most people, MVP isn't life-threatening and doesn't require treatment or changes in lifestyle.
Symptoms
Most people who have mitral valve prolapse never have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, it may be because blood is leaking backward through the valve (regurgitation). Symptoms can include:
- A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, often when lying flat or during physical activity
- Fatigue
- Chest pain that isn't caused by a heart attack or coronary artery disease
Treatment
Most people with mitral valve prolapse don't need treatment. If you have symptoms, your doctor may recommend medications to treat arrhythmias or other symptoms. In severe cases of mitral valve regurgitation, surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve may be needed.
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