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Mitral Valve Prolapse

(MVP; Floppy Valve Syndrome; Barlow's Syndrome; Click-Murmur Syndrome)

Definition

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common, usually benign heart disorder. The mitral valve controls blood flow between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. Normally, blood should only flow from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. In MVP, the valve flaps don’t work properly. Part of the valve balloons into the atrium, which may be associated with blood flowing in the wrong direction or leaking back into the atrium.
Prolapsed Mitral Valve
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Causes

In most cases, the cause of MVP is unknown. In some cases, it appears to be an inherited genetic condition.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of getting mitral valve prolapse include:
  • Family history of mitral valve prolapse
  • Sex: female
  • Age: 14 to 30
  • Scoliosis
  • Thin chest diameter
  • Low body weight
  • Low blood pressure
  • Chest wall deformities
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Grave’s disease
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Ebstein's anomaly

Symptoms

People with mitral valve prolapse often do not have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include one or more of the following:
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Panic attacks or anxiety
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness

Diagnosis

Mitral valve prolapse can be heard through a stethoscope. A small blood leakage will sound like a murmur. When the mitral valve balloons backward, it may produce a clicking sound. Both murmurs and clicks are signs of MVP. An echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis. You may also be asked to wear a Holter monitor for a day or two to record the electrical activity of your heart.

Treatment

In most cases, no treatment is necessary. Although no longer routinely recommended, you may need to take antibiotics prior to some dental and medical procedures. This is to prevent infections. Ask your doctor if you will need to take antibiotics.
If symptoms include chest pain, anxiety, or panic attacks, a beta-blocker medication can be prescribed. Ask your doctor whether you may continue to participate in your usual physical activities.
In very rare cases, the blood leakage may become severe. In these few cases, the mitral valve may need to be surgically repaired or replaced.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing MVP of unknown or genetic origin.
You may be able to prevent symptoms, through certain lifestyle changes:
  • Limit your intake of caffeine.
  • Avoid medications that speed up your heart rate, including decongestants.
  • Exercise regularly, following your doctor's recommendations.

RESOURCES

American Heart Association http://www.heart.org

National Library of Medicine http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Cardiovascular Society http://www.ccs.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca

References

Infective endocarditis. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/Infective-Endocarditis%5FUCM%5F307108%5FArticle.jsp. Updated April 12, 2013. Accessed May 9, 2013.

Mitral valve prolapse. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated November 10, 2012. Accessed May 9, 2013.

Premedication (antibiotics). American Dental Association's Mouth Healthy website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Premedication-or-Antibiotics.aspx. Accessed May 9, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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