Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the two valve flaps of the mitral valve do not close smoothly or evenly, but bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium of the heart during the heart's contraction.

Causes:

  1. Genetic Factors: MVP can be inherited.

  2. Connective Tissue Disorders: Such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

  3. Age-Related Changes: Degenerative changes in the valve.

  4. Rheumatic Fever: Rarely, a history of rheumatic fever can lead to MVP.

  5. Other Cardiac Conditions: Such as ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathy.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Most People are Asymptomatic.

  • Palpitations: Feelings of having rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.

  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness.

  • Shortness of Breath, especially during exertion or when lying down.

  • Fatigue.

  • Chest Pain: Not caused by a heart attack or coronary artery disease.

Treatment:

  • Regular Monitoring: Most people with MVP do not require treatment.

  • Medications: If symptoms are present, beta-blockers, diuretics, or antiarrhythmics might be used.

  • Managing Symptoms: Such as using medications to relieve symptoms like palpitations or chest pain.

  • Surgery: In rare cases, when the valve leakage is severe, surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve may be necessary.

Medications:

  • Beta-Blockers: To help control heart rate and rhythm.

  • Anticoagulants: In cases where there is an increased risk of blood clots.

  • Antiarrhythmics: If there are disturbances in heart rhythm.

  • Aspirin or Anticoagulants: Sometimes recommended if there's a risk of stroke.

Examinations and Tests:

  1. Echocardiogram: The primary diagnostic tool, visualizing valve movement.

  2. Chest X-ray: To view the heart and lungs.

  3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To measure the electrical activity of the heart.

  4. Stress Test: Sometimes conducted to observe the heart's function during exercise.

  5. Cardiac MRI: In certain cases, to get a more detailed image of the heart.

For most people, MVP isn't life-threatening and doesn't require treatment or changes in lifestyle. However, regular check-ups are important to monitor the condition over time, especially if symptoms develop or worsen. In rare cases, MVP can lead to more serious complications, such as severe valve regurgitation, arrhythmias, or infective endocarditis, which may require specific treatments.