Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when the valve between the heart’s left chambers doesn’t close properly. Many people don’t have symptoms, but others experience heart palpitations, chest pain, and fatigue.
MVP is a condition where the valve between the left heart chambers doesn’t close properly. This can sometimes cause blood to leak backward into the left atrium, known as mitral regurgitation.
Although MVP is often symptomless and harmless, it may cause symptoms in some people.
Let’s discuss MVP symptoms, possible causes, treatment options, and when to get medical help.
Mitral valve prolapse symptoms
MVP can be asymptomatic, meaning many people with this condition may not experience any symptoms.
However, for some people, it can cause noticeable symptoms. MVP symptoms are the sensations or feelings that people with the condition may experience.
These include:
Signs of mitral valve prolapse
Signs of MVP are the clues that a healthcare professional can observe or measure when the condition is present.
Common signs of MVP include:
- clicking sounds heard with a stethoscope
- murmurs, which are sounds heard between heartbeats
- arrhythmias detected on an ECG
- evidence of mitral regurgitation seen on an echocardiogram
Mitral valve prolapse chest pain location
The chest pain related to MVP can vary in location and intensity. You may feel:
- sharp or stabbing pain under the left breast or on the left side of your chest
- discomfort that can radiate to the shoulder or neck
- pain at rest or with exertion
What are the symptoms of worsening mitral valve prolapse?
As MVP progresses, symptoms may become more noticeable.
Depending on the severity of mitral regurgitation, your heart ventricles may enlarge, leading to heart failure symptoms .
These symptoms may include:
- increasingly frequent palpitations
- worsening fatigue and shortness of breath
- swelling in the legs or feet ( edema)
- episodes of fainting (syncope)
- persistent chest pain that neither rest nor medication relieves
When to contact a doctor
It’s important to get medical help if you experience severe symptoms, whether you have a diagnosis of MVP or not.
Contact a doctor if you experience:
- severe or prolonged chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- fainting episodes
- swelling in your lower extremities
- symptoms that interfere with your daily activities
These symptoms could indicate complications like worsening mitral regurgitation or heart failure.
How do doctors diagnose mitral valve prolapse?
Diagnosing MVP typically begins with taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination.
A healthcare professional will listen to your heart using a stethoscope. MVP often produces distinctive clicking sounds or murmurs due to the atypical movement of the mitral valve leaflets.
If a healthcare professional detects an MVP murmur or other unusual sounds, they’ll likely recommend an echocardiogram. This noninvasive test uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structures, showing whether it’s prolapsing or leaking.
An ECG is another important tool in diagnosing MVP. This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify any irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) that may be linked to MVP.
In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a stress test . This test involves you exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike while they monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG readings. It can help determine how well your heart functions during physical activity.
A healthcare professional may also suggest a Holter monitor for a more comprehensive assessment. You’ll wear this portable device for 24 to 48 hours , and it continuously records your heart’s electrical activity, noting arrhythmias or other irregularities that may occur.
Mitral valve prolapse treatment
Treatment for MVP may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of the prolapse. Cases that don’t cause symptoms often don’t need treatment.
Possible treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can help manage your symptoms.
- Medications: A doctor may prescribe various medications, including beta-blockers like propranolol , to help manage MVP symptoms.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical repair or mitral valve replacement may be necessary to prevent complications.
Mitral valve prolapse causes
MVP has no specific known cause . However, it can be linked to various factors, including:
- genetics or a family history of MVP
- scoliosis , a condition where the spine curves atypically
- connective tissue disorders, like Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat
- age-related changes to the heart’s structures
Frequently asked questions about mitral valve prolapse
Here are some frequently asked questions about MVP.
Is mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease?
Yes, MVP is considered a type of heart disease . It’s categorized under mitral valve disease , which affects the function of the heart valve. However, it often doesn’t cause serious problems.
Does mitral valve prolapse get worse with age?
MVP can worsen with age, especially if you don’t monitor and manage it properly. As you age, the heart “ages” too, causing the valve leaflets to stretch and degenerate .
What happens if mitral valve prolapse is not treated?
Without treatment, MVP can lead to serious complications. These can include arrhythmias, heart attack, and heart valve infection (endocarditis).
What should I avoid if I have mitral valve prolapse?
Consider avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen MVP symptoms, according to an older study .
Takeaway
MVP occurs when the valve between the heart’s left chambers doesn’t close properly.
Although many people may not experience symptoms, others can have symptoms like heart palpitations, chest pain, and fatigue.
MVP often doesn’t cause serious problems, but untreated cases can lead to complications like arrhythmias.
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