Mitral Valve Prolapse: What You Should Know

The mitral valve controls the flow of blood between 2 chambers (or "rooms") of your heart called the left atrium and the left ventricle. Normally, blood flows in one direction only, from the atrium to the ventricle. When the heart relaxes in between beats, the 2 flaps of the mitral valve swing open to let blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle. The flaps normally open only one way. (See the pictures below.)

If you have mitral valve prolapse, the flaps of the valve don't work well. One of the flaps moves back into the atrium when the heart beats. This can let blood flow from the ventricle back into the atrium.

About 1 in 20 Americans has mitral valve prolapse. People are usually born with it. More women have it than men.

Here are some of the possible symptoms of mitral valve prolapse:

Your doctor can find mitral valve prolapse during a regular exam. When listening to your heart with a stethoscope, your doctor may hear a clicking sound. The flap makes the click. If blood is flowing back into the atrium, your doctor will hear a "whooshing" sound. This sound is called a murmur.

To find out how well your valve is working, your doctor may have you get an echocardiogram. The echocardiogram provides a picture of your heart that shows your valve as the blood flows through it. This can help your doctor decide if you need treatment.

Most people with mitral valve prolapse don't need any treatment. In fact, this condition usually has no effect on your health. About 2 of every 100 people with this condition have complications. If your valve is too leaky or if you are having lots of symptoms you may need surgery to fix the valve. You may also have to limit your participation in competitive sports. Ask your doctor if you are in this group.

If your mitral valve prolapse causes chest pain or other symptoms, your doctor might prescribe medicines such as beta blockers to make your symptoms better.

In serious cases of mitral valve prolapse, infection can occur in the leaky valve during surgery or dental work. Check with your doctor to see if your case is severe. If so, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics prior to the procedure to protect against infection.