Mitralvalve prolapse takes place if themitral valvebetween the heart’s left atrium and leftventricle doesnt close properly.
Most cases of mitral valve prolapse arent serious and dont cause symptoms.
The mitral valve has two flaps.
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It directs blood flow from the hearts left atrium to its left ventricle.
Most people who have mitral valve prolapse do not have mitral regurgitation.
Mitral Valve Prolapse Symptoms
Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not experience any symptoms or problems.
If there is mitral regurgitation, it can worsen over time and lead to infection.
Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse may include:
What Causes Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Whos More Likely to Get Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve repair is usually done through open heart surgery.
However, sometimes robotically assisted mitral valve repair is performed (generally in young, active individuals).
A newer procedure called amitral valve clipis available to individuals who are not good candidates for open heart surgery.
Valve repair is usually recommended over valve replacement because it preserves heart tissue.
How Do You Know If You Need Treatment for Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Most people with mitral valve prolapse dont require treatment.
You also should always take any medications as prescribed.
Can Mitral Valve Prolapse Be Prevented?
Most people with mitral valve prolapse are born with the condition.
Mitral valve prolapsedoesnt shorten life expectancy.
Most people with the condition do not experience any effects.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is important in managing the condition and keeping it from getting worse.
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse shows up when the heart’s mitral valve flaps don’t close properly.
The condition is usually harmless and doesn’t cause symptoms.
In some cases, failure of the valves to close tightly can lead to mitral regurgitation.
If the valve leak is severe, surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve may be necessary.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart valve disease types.
Cedars Sinai.Mitral valve prolapse.
American Heart Association.Problem: mitral valve prolapse.
Texas Heart Institute.Mitral valve prolapse.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Mitral valve prolapse.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Mitral valve prolapse.
Penn Medicine.Mitral valve prolapse.
American Heart Association.Options for heart valve repair.
