Mitral Valve Prolapse(MVP; Floppy Valve Syndrome; Barlow's Syndrome; Click-Murmur Syndrome)
by
Michelle Badash, MS DefinitionMitral 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 do not 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 lower chamber.
Causes TOPIn most cases, the cause of MVP is unknown. In some cases, it appears to be an inherited genetic condition. Risk Factors TOPMVP is more common in women, and most often appears between the ages of 14 and 30 years old. Other factors that may increase your chance of MVP include:
Symptoms TOPPeople with mitral valve prolapse often do not have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include one or more of the following:
Diagnosis TOPMitral 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 TOPIn 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 heart 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 TOPThere are no current guidelines for preventing MVP of unknown or genetic origin. However, you may be able to prevent symptoms through certain lifestyle changes:
RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://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:Antibiotic prophylaxis for heart patients. Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 12, 2017.
Infective endocarditis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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Mitral valve prolapse (MVP). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed September 12, 2017.
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Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(11):2201-2208. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 5/2/2014 |
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