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Mitral Valve Prolapse: Causes and Treatment

Mitral valve prolapse is a form of heart valve disease that occurs in the valve between the left heart chambers. While it is not typically a life-threatening condition, severe cases of mitral valve prolapse can cause a disorder called mitral valve regurgitation, which can lead to significant medical complications.

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we offer screening and treatment for a wide variety of heart care issues, including mitral valve prolapse. We are proud to help our patients manage and overcome challenging heart health issues.

What is Mitral Valve Prolapse?

The mitral valve is a flap between the left atrium and the left ventricle that regulates blood flow. Mitral valve prolapse is a possibly inherited condition that affects the direction in which blood flows between the two chambers. When the mitral valve bulges back into the left atrium, it can prevent the valve from closing properly.

While mitral valve prolapse might not cause symptoms or health complications, severe cases can lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood flows in the wrong direction across the heart valves. When this occurs, sufficient blood might not reach the rest of the body.

Mitral valve prolapse is also called click-murmur syndrome, floppy valve syndrome, and Barlow syndrome. It is known to run in families, but it is connected with the following disorders:

  • Marfan’s Syndrome
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Scoliosis

There are two categories of mitral valve prolapse:

Primary mitral valve prolapse: This form of mitral valve prolapse is characterized by one or both valve flaps becoming enlarged. The surface of the flaps might develop scar tissue and protein deposits. This form of mitral valve prolapse is typically seen in people who do not have other types of heart disease with have co-occurring issues like hereditary connective tissue disorders.

Secondary mitral valve prolapse: This form of mitral valve prolapse is associated with heart conditions like coronary artery disease or structural changes resulting from myocardial infarction.

What Are the Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Your ability to recognize mitral valve prolapse symptoms depends upon the condition's severity. When it progresses to mitral valve regurgitation, the signs might only be apparent during a heart screening. However, if the volume of blood leaking into the left atrium is significant, the symptoms might include the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia)
  • Lightheadedness
  • Heart murmur
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

If you experience the above symptoms, please seek medical attention. Symptoms of heart failure mimic those of advanced mitral valve regurgitation.

Risks of severe mitral valve prolapse include the following:

Mitral valve regurgitation: When blood flows in the wrong direction into the left atrium, making it difficult for the heart to function efficiently. This complication typically occurs in patients who have unmanaged high blood pressure.

Heart arrhythmias: Arrhythmias – rapid, irregular heartbeat – result from severe mitral valve regurgitation and inflammation of the left atrium.

How is Mitral Valve Prolapse Treated?

Treatment for mitral valve prolapse will depend upon the extent of the condition, whether physical symptoms are detectable, and the physician's recommendations. Very often, the physician will recommend monitoring if the condition is mild. In serious cases, surgery might be necessary.

If your mitral valve prolapse is symptomatic, medications might be administered to address those symptoms. These could involve beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure, and medications for regulating heart rhythms.

Surgical interventions might involve mitral valve repair, a procedure that removes the tissue that inhibits the proper closure of the mitral flaps. In some cases, the mitral valve might require surgical replacement.

If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health, please contact our helpful representatives to schedule a heart screening today.

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Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.
Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.
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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.

The staff, the nurses, and Dr. Parsons were all amazing. Everything was simple and went well – very Bravo Zulu (military phrase meaning "well done"). In addition to the great staff at CardioVascular Health Clinic, the facilities were clean and well maintained. I have no complaints about anything. The whole experience was A1. I would recommend Dr. Parsons to anyone. He made a huge impact on my life.

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John W.

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