Mitral Valve Prolapse is a condition in which one or both of the mitral valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium. This condition is also known as click-murmur syndrome, floppy valve syndrome or balloon mitral valve

Mitral valve prolapse is type of heart valve disease and is often not life threatening.It can affect people of all ages. In some people, it is congenital. It is more common in women. In general, it affects about 2-3% of the population.

Mitral Valve connects the two chambers of the heart (left ventricle & left atrium) responsible for collecting oxygen rich blood from the lungs & then pumping it to the entire body. It has two flaps of tissue known as cusps or leaflets. With each heartbeat, these leaflets open & close, while monitoring the blood flow out of left atrium & into the left ventricle.

Common symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath with exercise or exertion

Swelling in feet and/or legs

Palpitations

Dizziness

Fainting

Anxiety

Tingling sensation in hands & Feet

Mitral valve prolapse is caused by weakness in the valve tissue known as myxomatous degeneration. It is not known what exactly weakens the tissue. In some cases it is hereditary.

In most cases, mitral valve prolapse is not harmful. However, in some individuals it can lead to mitral valve regurgitation. People who have both these conditions are more likely have complications like:

Heart failure

Infective endocarditis

Atrial Fibrillation

Ventricular Arrhythmias

Firstly your cardiologist is likely to perform a physical exam to check if the hear makes any clicking sound followed by a murmur. He or she will then ask about your family & personal medical history.

After the physical examination, your doctor would recommend the following tests to diagnose your condition.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Electrocardiography

Chest X Ray

Cardiac Catheterization

In most cases, treatment may not be necessary. In mild cases, the doctor may prescribe beta blockers to manage symptoms. If the patient has a history of atrial fibrillation or history of stroke, blood thinners may be recommended.

In some patients, mitral valve repair or mitral valve replacement may be necessary The treatment plan depends on many factors such as

Patient’s age

Patient’s health history

Patient’s current health condition

Whether the patient has other heart conditions

Whether or not a patient needs valve repair or replacement depends on the following:

Whether symptoms are getting worse over time

Whether the patient has regurgitation

If the patient’s heart gets enlarged

If the patient develops an arrhythmia

If the heart can’t pump enough blood