What is mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse, or MVP, is a type of heart valve disease that occurs when the mitral valve, one of the heart’s four valves, becomes floppy and does not close properly. This can allow blood to leak backward from the left ventricle (the lower chamber of the heart) to the left atrium (the upper chamber).
Mitral valve prolapse is usually harmless and affects 2% to 3% of Americans. It often causes no symptoms, and you might only find out you have it when your doctor hears certain sounds when listening to your heart during a routine checkup.
However, mitral valve prolapse can prevent your heart from working as efficiently as it should. Treating the condition can help prevent serious long-term complications.
Types of mitral valve prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is sometimes known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow’s syndrome or floppy valve syndrome. It can be divided into two main types based on how it affects the heart and valves.
Types of mitral valve prolapse include:
- Primary MVP: One or both flaps of tissue become thick, scarred or damaged in another way. It often develops in the absence of another heart issue.
- Secondary MVP: Prolapse develops due to a lack of oxygen or damage to the heart muscle or valves. It’s usually related to another heart condition.
Mitral valve prolapse symptoms
Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not notice any symptoms, and it’s often diagnosed during a routine physical exam when your doctor hears a heart murmur or clicking sounds.
If you experience symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, they may include:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Feeling tired or out of breath quickly
- Heart palpitations
- Migraines
- Mood changes
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience symptoms that suggest mitral valve prolapse. You should also see your doctor for annual checkups, which allow your doctor to perform regular heart-health screenings that can detect mitral valve prolapse before symptoms develop.
Mitral valve prolapse causes
Your mitral valve is located between your left atrium and your left ventricle. Valves have a series of flaps, or “leaflets,” that allow the valves to open and close as your heart pumps blood. When the mitral valve opens, blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle. It then closes to allow the atrium to refill.
With mitral valve prolapse, the mitral valve’s flaps flop or sag back into your left atrium. This can allow blood to flow backward, which is called regurgitation or backflow.
Mitral valve prolapse is commonly caused by myxomatous valve disease, which causes abnormal stretching and weakness in the valve’s flaps. Myxomatous valve disease may be genetic.
Mitral valve prolapse can also be caused by connective tissue disorders.
Mitral valve prolapse risk factors
Anyone can have mitral valve prolapse, and it often runs in families. Symptoms are more likely to develop after age 50 and affect men more than women, although more women than men have mitral valve prolapse.
Researchers have also identified certain conditions that are associated with or may increase the risk of mitral valve prolapse. Those include:
- Connective tissue disorders:These conditions may cause tissue degeneration in the mitral valve. They include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome and others.
- Ebstein anomaly:This condition occurs at birth and causes problems with flaps in the tricuspid valve, another heart valve. It can also affect the mitral valve.
- Graves’ disease:This autoimmune disorder has been found to worsen heart problems, and people with Graves’ disease often have mitral valve prolapse.
- Rheumatic fever: A complication of certain infections, this condition can damage heart valves.
Complications
Mitral valve prolapse is rarely serious, but it can cause mitral valve regurgitation , a condition in which the flaps do not seal tightly and some of your blood flows backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium. Regurgitation prevents your heart from working as well as it should and can increase your risk for many other heart conditions, including irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias), heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
Still, many people with mitral valve prolapse do not develop regurgitation or any related complications.
Diagnosing mitral valve prolapse
Your doctor may find you have mitral valve prolapse during a routine health checkup. If you have symptoms or suspect you have a heart condition, they will examine you and order various tests and scans. You may be referred to a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in the heart.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask about your medical and family history, lifestyle and any medicines you take. They will check your pulse and listen to your heart using a stethoscope. They may be able to hear a clicking sound, which happens when the heart’s flaps snap against each other. They may also hear a heart murmur, which is caused by blood flowing in the wrong direction.
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Imaging and tests
Your doctor will usually order imaging scans to get a better look at your heart. Tests and scans may include:
- Echocardiogram: The most commonly used test for diagnosing mitral valve prolapse, an echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of blood flowing through your heart.
- Cardiac imaging: Chest X-rays, cardiac CT scans or cardiac MRI scans can show your heart’s structure. Your doctor may use them to detect problems with your heart valves or see whether your atrium is larger than normal, a sign of mitral valve regurgitation.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures your heart’s electrical activity. Your doctor may order one if they suspect that mitral valve problems have caused an arrhythmia.
Mitral valve prolapse treatment
In most cases, mitral valve prolapse does not need treatment. If you don’t have symptoms, you may need only regular follow-up visits with your doctor so they can monitor your health. If you have symptoms, your doctor can give you medications to help control them.
You may need surgery if you develop mitral valve regurgitation or significant symptoms or if your condition affects your heart’s ability to function.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can help improve your overall heart health and reduce your risk of complications related to mitral valve prolapse.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough, high-quality sleep
- Giving up tobacco if you smoke
- Learning to manage stress
Your doctor may also suggest getting more physical activity, but athletes may need to limit their
Medication
Medications can help people with mitral valve prolapse find relief from symptoms. Your doctor may recommend various types, but some common mitral valve prolapse medications include:
- Beta blockers: These work by slowing your heart rate, which may reduce palpitations and other symptoms.
- Blood thinners: These reduce the risk of blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Diuretics: These reduce excess fluid, meaning your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood.
- Heart rhythm medicines: Your doctor may prescribe these medications, also called antiarrhythmics, if you’ve developed an arrhythmia. They help regulate your heart rhythm.
- Vasodilators: These widen your blood vessels, reducing the strain on your heart.
Mitral valve repair
A procedure to repair or replace your mitral valve may be necessary if your condition becomes severe.
In the past, mitral valve procedures were open-heart surgeries, but newer techniques allow doctors to repair the valve through a catheter inserted through the groin. Known as transcatheter mitral valve repair or MitraClip, the procedure involves placing a small clip on the valve’s flaps. The clips help the valve close properly and reduce the backward leakage of blood into the atrium.
Locations for mitral valve prolapse care
Trust our heart teams in North and Central Texas to help you understand your diagnosis and whether you need treatment for mitral valve prolapse. We can help you find the right level of care at the location best suited to your needs.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Rockwall
6701 Heritage Pkwy Ste 130, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 540, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 465, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 450 , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano Structural Heart Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Ste 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Does mitral valve prolapse get worse with age?
Many people are born with mitral valve prolapse, but it may get worse as you get older, as aging affects your heart’s valves. Your risk of developing symptoms increases after the age of 50, especially if you are a man.
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What should I avoid if I have mitral valve prolapse?
If you have mitral valve prolapse, your doctor will usually recommend avoiding smoking and unhealthy foods, such as those with too much salt, added sugar and saturated fat. If you are a competitive athlete, your doctor may recommend limiting your participation in competitive sports.
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Is mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease?
Mitral valve prolapse is a heart valve disease, which is a type of heart disease. Heart disease is a general term for a wide range of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels.
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Is mitral valve prolapse hereditary?
Mitral valve prolapse is believed to be hereditary. It is partly caused by your genetics and tends to run in families. It has also been linked to certain connective tissue disorders and health conditions that can damage the heart, which are not always genetic.
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Can mitral valve prolapse go away on its own?
Mitral valve prolapse is a lifelong condition. It will not go away on its own. However, most people do not experience symptoms and find it does not affect their quality of life.
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Can you live a long life with mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse is usually considered a benign (harmless) condition for most people. Your life expectancy will be similar to the general population. However, around 2% of people develop complications, some of which can be life-threatening.