The connection between anxiety and mitral valve prolapse isn't well understood. Many MVP patients report anxiety as a symptom, and some studies suggest that MVP is more common among people with anxiety disorders. Other studies disagree.
Featured Links
Featured Links
Featured Links
Featured Links
What is mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a heart condition where one or both leaflets of the mitral valve are too flexible or “floppy,” preventing a tight seal between the heart’s two left chambers. When the heart contracts, this floppy valve allows the leaflets to prolapse, or buckle backward, creating an imperfect seal. This results in some blood flowing backward into the wrong chamber instead of moving forward. The backflow of blood is called mitral valve regurgitation.
Jump to:
Is a mitral valve prolapse serious?
Being diagnosed with a heart condition can be scary, but mitral valve prolapse often isn't serious and won't damage your heart, especially if it is mild or moderate. For most people, it's enough to have regular checkups with their doctor to monitor the condition and manage symptoms.
Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse
MVP doesn't always cause symptoms. If you are experiencing mitral valve prolapse symptoms, it isn't always cause for alarm. Symptoms vary with the degree of prolapse, but they may not be an indication of the severity of your condition. Some people have symptoms, and some don't.
Those who have symptoms of MVP may experience:
- Heart palpitations: A sensation like a fast or irregular heartbeat. You may also feel as if your heartbeat is fast or irregular because of other unrelated conditions.
- Chest pain: You may feel a sharp pain in your chest that comes and goes.
- Anxiety: Many people with MVP report anxiety or panic attacks, which may be related to the unexpected increase in heart rate that is a common symptom of MVP. Some studies suggest that MVP is more common among people with anxiety disorders, but the evidence is unclear.
Your doctor may also hear unusual heart sounds when they listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
In cases when mitral valve prolapse becomes moderate or severe, one of the left chambers of the heart can become enlarged, causing symptoms like fatigue, lack of stamina, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and dizziness. As it progresses, it can lead to heart failure symptoms such as swollen ankles, difficulty breathing when lying down, and diminished capacity to climb stairs or inclines.
Symptoms of MVP often resemble symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult to evaluate yourself. If you're concerned about MVP symptoms, speak with a doctor.
The opposite: there's an association between MVP and low blood pressure. As a result, especially in advanced disease, some patients with mitral valve prolapse report lightheadedness when standing up.
Chest pain is not commonly related to MVP. If you experience chest pain with MVP, it is generally less severe than the pain associated with angina or heart attack. Always see a doctor for any chest pain, especially pain that recurs.
Causes of mitral valve prolapse
The exact causes of mitral valve prolapse aren’t fully understood. It’s believed that somewhat weaker connective tissues may alter the shape of the valve, putting extra strain on the structures that support it. This increased strain can thin the chords, or strings, that support the leaflets. If the chord ruptures, in can lead to a flail leaflet, where one leaflet loses its support. Another related condition, known as Barlow’s valve, occurs when both leaflets become thickened with generalized excess tissue, causing them to prolapse.
The exact cause of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) isn’t always clear, but it appears to have a hereditary component. Several different genes have been linked to MVP, indicating that it can run in families.
MVP is slightly more common in women than men. It's also associated with several other connective tissue disorders, such as:
- Marfan syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Treatment for mitral valve prolapse
Often, mitral valve prolapse is a benign condition that doesn't require treatment. However, you should monitor the condition and get it checked regularly.
In some cases, MVP can develop into a more serious issue that requires treatment such as surgery or percutaneous intervention.
FAQs about mitral valve prolapse
MVP can be congenital (present at birth) in rare cases but in the majority of cases, it is an acquired degenerative disease.
MVP can worsen over time. In addition to normal wear and tear, older people are more likely to experience other cardiac conditions that can damage the mitral valve.
Yes, MVP is considered a type of valvular heart disease.
Many people with MVP don't have any restrictions on what they can do, but some should avoid strenuous exercise. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, medical history, and the severity of your mitral valve prolapse, and ask for advice on what activities might be risky for you.
Additionally, take care to avoid risk factors like smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Find more information on living a heart-healthy lifestyle with our heart health guide
Common symptoms include increased awareness of your heartbeat, a feeling of your heart racing or beating irregularly, decreased stamina and worsening exercise tolerance. Sometimes, people report dizziness, lightheadedness, and chest pain. In more advanced disease stages, patients may develop shortness of breath on exertion.
In advanced stages, when the left atrium enlarges due to a leaky valve, MVP can lead to atrial fibrillation (afib). Afib is a more serious problem that can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
