MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE: I've been diagnosed with a prolapsed mitral valve. As I've had no symptoms I was taken aback to be told this. Can you explain to me what this is?
The mitral valve functions as a one-way valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. Its job is to prevent blood from flowing backwards into the left atrium.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which this valve bulges into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts. This can allow regurgitation (leakage) of small amounts of blood into the atrium.
MVP is one of the more common heart valve conditions. While some forms may be congenital or hereditary, MVP may also be associated with other conditions such as certain types of connective tissue disorders.
The majority of people with MVP have no symptoms and are able to lead normal, active lives. However, some sufferers experience symptoms such as chest pain, a rapid pulse (tachycardia), palpitations, fatigue, dizziness and migraine headaches.
In addition their blood pressure may fall below normal on standing – a condition called orthostatic hypotension.
How could my doctor tell I had it just by listening to my heart?
By listening to the heart with a stethoscope, a characteristic clicking sound associated with mitral valve prolapse may be heard. Regurgitation is diagnosed if a murmur is heard when the left ventricle contracts. An echocardiography may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Using this test the doctor can assess the extent of the prolapse and the severity of any regurgitation.
Do I need treatment?
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. So if you have no symptoms, you don’t require treatment. For those experiencing symptoms, drugs called beta blockers may be used to slow the heart rate down and reduce palpitations. Other drugs such as diuretics may also be prescribed.
In the past, antibiotics were prescribed prior to surgical procedures for all patients with MVP. Now, only those considered at high risk of developing a serious infection are given antibiotics prior to medical, surgical or dental procedures. This is to prevent a condition called endocarditis developing.
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. It is caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and travelling to the heart during these types of procedures. In very rare cases of MVP, surgical repair or replacement of the faulty valve may be needed.
