Heart Valve Problems: Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart valve problem. It's usually not serious. With this problem, the valve bulges slightly back into the atrium when it closes. This may allow a tiny amount of blood to leak.
Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart valve problem. With this condition, the valve that separates the left atrium and left ventricle doesn’t open and close as it should. Extra tissue in the valve can stop it from closing correctly. This can make the valve leaky.
Most cases of mitral valve prolapse aren't serious. Usually, only a small amount of blood leaks backward. This doesn't cause problems and doesn't need treatment. But sometimes a larger amount of blood can leak backward. This can lead to a serious problem, as the blood that leaks backward must be pumped twice. Over time, this takes a toll on the heart. You may need surgery to fix the valve if the heart starts to function poorly.
Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse may not cause symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
Mild chest pain
Pounding or racing heart (palpitations)
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing with activity
Fatigue
Migraine headaches
Fainting
Possible causes
Mitral valve prolapse is often present from birth. But some people can develop it later in life. In some cases, the condition is passed down from your parents (inherited).
Treating mitral valve prolapse
Most people with mitral valve prolapse have mild disease that doesn't get worse. It doesn't need to be treated. But sometimes the valves get more stretched out over time and can cause symptoms. Medicines can help ease symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to come in from time to time for tests to check your heart valve and to be sure the problem hasn’t gotten worse. In severe cases, surgery to fix or replace the valve may be needed.