What is Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when one or both leaflets of the mitral valve fail to close properly, causing them to bulge into the left atrium. This may allow blood to leak backward, a condition known as mitral regurgitation.
Types of Mitral Valve Prolapse:
- Primary MVP: Often associated with genetic factors or connective tissue disorders.
- Secondary MVP: Develops due to aging, heart disease, or other conditions affecting the valve.
How MVP Affects the Heart:
- Mild MVP: Usually asymptomatic and requires minimal treatment.
- Severe MVP with Regurgitation: Can cause heart palpitations, fatigue, and breathlessness.
- Complications: In rare cases, MVP can lead to arrhythmias, infective endocarditis, or heart failure.
Causes and Risk Factors
Mitral valve prolapse is often genetic and may be linked to connective tissue disorders. Some common causes include:
Primary Causes:
- Genetic Mutations: MVP runs in families and is more common in women.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome increase the risk.
- Valve Structure Abnormalities: Enlarged, thickened, or floppy mitral valve leaflets.
- Age-Related Changes: Degeneration of the mitral valve over time.
Risk Factors:
- Family history of MVP or heart valve disease.
- Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
- History of rheumatic fever or heart infections.
- Structural heart abnormalities present at birth.
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Many people with MVP do not experience symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:
Common Symptoms:
- Heart palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats.
- Chest pain: Usually sharp, brief, and not related to exercise.
- Fatigue: Due to inefficient blood circulation.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Can occur when standing up suddenly.
- Shortness of breath: Especially during exertion or when lying down.
- Anxiety or panic attacks: May be linked to autonomic nervous system imbalances.
Severe MVP Symptoms (With Mitral Regurgitation):
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen.
- Chronic cough (linked to lung congestion).
- Difficulty breathing, especially at night.
Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Doctors use several tests to diagnose MVP and assess its severity.
Common Diagnostic Tests:
- Stethoscope Exam: A click-murmur sound is often the first sign.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses ultrasound to visualize the mitral valve.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Detects irregular heart rhythms.
- Chest X-ray: Helps identify heart enlargement.
- Holter Monitor: 24-hour heart rhythm recording for arrhythmias.
Treatment and Management
Most people with MVP do not require treatment. However, severe cases may need medications or surgery.
1. Lifestyle Changes & Self-Care
- Regular exercise to strengthen the heart.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent palpitations.
- Stress management techniques like meditation and yoga.
- Stay hydrated to avoid blood pressure fluctuations.
2. Medications for Symptom Control
- Beta-blockers: Slow heart rate and reduce palpitations.
- Diuretics: Help reduce fluid buildup in cases of regurgitation.
- Anticoagulants (Blood thinners): If MVP is associated with atrial fibrillation.
- Antiarrhythmic medications: Controls irregular heartbeat.
3. Surgical Treatment for Severe Cases
- Mitral Valve Repair: The preferred option to restore valve function.
- Mitral Valve Replacement: If the valve is severely damaged.
- Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: A minimally invasive procedure.
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