Any heart condition or defect can have complications, but generally, mild or moderate mitral valve prolapse isn't dangerous and doesn't damage your heart. Many people with MVP don't even have symptoms. No matter how mild your case, schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor the condition for changes. If your condition progresses, it can cause damage to your heart. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of severe mitral valve prolapse.
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Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition where the valve between the two left chambers of the heart doesn't close perfectly, allowing blood to flow backward. Mitral valve prolapse usually isn't dangerous but requires monitoring from your doctor. However, if your prolapse is severe enough, you may need treatment to alleviate more serious symptoms and prevent your MVP from causing other, more dangerous, conditions, like heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
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How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, your doctor will first perform a physical exam. They'll listen to your heart with a stethoscope, listening for the distinctive sound that accompanies the condition.
If your doctor suspects MVP, other tests can be performed to confirm a mitral valve prolapse diagnosis. Some of the tests your doctor may order include:
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create real-time images of your heart in action. This test helps your doctor to see your mitral valve and check for signs of mitral valve prolapse.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity. It can help identify irregular heartbeats in some patients with MVP , though many with MVP have normal EKG results.
- Chest X-ray: Provides an image of your heart and lungs, helping assess their condition.
- CT scan of the chest: Offers a clear view of your mitral valve and other your heart structures. It can also sometimes be used to look at the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.
- Exercise tests: You may need to perform activities like walking on a treadmill while your doctor monitors your heart. These tests can show your heart's response to exercise and whether you experience MVP symptoms during physical activity.
Mitral valve prolapse echocardiogram
The echocardiogram is the primary test for diagnosing MVP. During this painless, non-invasive procedure, a probe is placed on your chest to capture images of deeper structures, including your heart. Similar to an ultrasound used to view a developing baby, this probe creates images of the heart in motion, allowing your doctor to check for mitral valve prolapse and assess its severity.
Occasionally, your doctor may recommend a more detailed echocardiogram called a transesophageal echocardiogram. This test provides a closer look at the mitral valve and its supporting structures. For this procedure, you will be sedated, and a thin tube with a small ultrasound probe will be gently passed down your throat into your esophagus, giving your doctor a clearer view of the heart.
Treatment for mitral valve prolapse
In most cases, treatment for mitral valve prolapse is limited to managing symptoms since the condition isn't dangerous and symptoms are often mild. In more severe cases, surgery for mitral valve prolapse may be necessary.
Mitral valve prolapse medication
Medications for mitral valve prolapse usually treat symptoms, not the underlying cause. For example, you may take beta blockers to manage dizziness and heart palpitations. Depending on your medical history, some people—such as patients with atrial fibrillation—may need to take blood thinners to reduce their risk of stroke. Mitral valve prolapse is a result of a structural problem of the valve and, therefore, if the prolapse is severe, the treatment is surgery.
Mitral valve prolapse surgery
Mitral valve surgery may be the best option for severe cases of mitral valve prolapse with significant mitral valve regurgitation. The types of mitral valve surgery include:
- Mitral valve repair: When possible, your surgeon will adjust your existing valve to help it function correctly. This approach allows you to retain your natural valve. Often, a support ring is placed around the valve to strengthen it for a long-lasting repair.
- Mitral valve replacement: If repair isn't possible or isn't the best option, the surgeon may replace your mitral valve with a new one. Your doctor will discuss the types of replacement valves available and help you choose the best option.
- Transcatheter mitral valve replacement or repair: For patients who aren’t candidates for traditional surgery, transcatheter mitral valve interventions may be considered.
Mitral valve surgery generally takes four hours to perform and can use minimally invasive techniques to reduce complications and speed up recovery time.
What should I avoid if I have mitral valve prolapse?
Many of the recommendations are the same for MVP as any heart condition. Take care of your heart and avoid risk factors like:
- Smoking
- Illegal drugs
- High blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
If you have severe mitral valve prolapse, you may need to limit certain kinds of exercise, even though physical activity is generally good for the heart. Ask your doctor if there are sports or physical activities you should avoid due to your mitral valve prolapse diagnosis.
Find more information on living a heart-healthy lifestyle with our heart health guide
FAQs about treatment for mitral valve prolapse
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.
Regular exercise is good for the heart and should be part of your care program. Walking is a good way to stay active unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Learn more about the benefits of walking for heart health.
Some people live their whole lives with mild cases of mitral valve prolapse. Among those whose condition progresses, the timeline varies significantly. According to the American Heart Association, about 25% of patients with MVP will progress to significant mitral valve regurgitation within 3 to 16 years.
For most people, there's no need to treat or cure the condition because symptoms are mild and don't interfere with daily life. If you need treatment, it's common for patients who get mitral valve prolapse surgery to live as long as those without valve disorders. If you're concerned, your doctor can tell you about your individual case and prognosis.
