What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse?

When the valve that closes between the left chambers of the heart malfunctions, it can lead to mitral valve prolapse or MVP. While many people suffer no symptoms at all, some do, including weariness, chest pain, and palpitations in the heart.

The defect known as MVP is caused by an improperly closing valve between the left and right heart chambers. Mitral regurgitation, or the leaking of blood backward into the left atrium, can occasionally result from this.

While MVP is often asymptomatic and safe, some individuals may experience symptoms.

Let’s talk about MVP symptoms, potential causes, available treatments, and when to seek medical attention.

Mitral valve prolapse symptoms

Many individuals with MVP may not exhibit any symptoms at all, as the illness might be asymptomatic.

It may, however, result in obvious symptoms for certain individuals. The sensations or emotions that individuals with MVP may encounter are known as symptoms.

These include:

• heart palpitations
• chest pain
• fatigue
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• breathing difficulties, particularly when exercising or sleeping flat
• anxiety or panic attacks

Signs of mitral valve prolapse

MVP symptoms are indicators that a medical practitioner can look for or quantify when the illness is present.

Typical indications of MVP include:

• clicking sounds heard with a stethoscope
• murmurs, or the noises produced in between heartbeats
• arrhythmias detected on an ECG
• Echocardiography evidence of mitral regurgitation

Mitral valve prolapse chest pain location

The location and severity of MVP-related chest discomfort can vary. You might experience:

• piercing or stabbing pain on the left side of your chest or beneath your left breast
• soreness that may spread to the neck or shoulder
• pain at rest or with exertion

What are the symptoms of worsening mitral valve prolapse?

MVP symptoms could become more obvious as the condition worsens.

Your heart ventricles may widen as a result of mitral regurgitation, depending on how severe it is, which could cause heart failure symptoms.

These signs could consist of:

• swelling in the legs or feet (edema)
• episodes of fainting (syncope)
• increasingly frequent palpitations
• worsening fatigue and shortness of breath
• ongoing chest pain that is not relieved by rest or medicine

When to contact a doctor

You must get medical attention if you encounter severe symptoms, regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with MVP.

Speak with a physician if you encounter:

• fainting episodes
• swelling in your lower extremities
• severe or prolonged chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• symptoms that cause you to miss out on everyday activities

These signs may point to cardiac failure or increasing mitral regurgitation, among other issues.

How do doctors diagnose mitral valve prolapse?

Obtaining a thorough medical history and doing a physical examination are usually the first steps in diagnosing MVP.

A medical practitioner will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart. Because of the abnormal movement of the mitral valve leaflets, MVP frequently makes audible clicking sounds or murmurs.

A medical practitioner will probably advise an echocardiography if they hear an MVP murmur or any other strange noises. This noninvasive test shows whether your heart is leaking or prolapsing by using ultrasonic waves to create detailed photographs of its components.

Another crucial instrument for identifying MVP is an ECG. This test captures your heart’s electrical activity and can assist in identifying any arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, that may be connected to MVP.

A medical provider may suggest a stress test in specific circumstances. During this test, you will exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill while your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG measurements are recorded. It can assist in determining how well your heart performs when you exercise.

For a more thorough evaluation, a medical expert might also recommend a Holter monitor. This wearable device continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for a duration of 24 to 48 hours, identifying any potential arrhythmias or irregularities.

Mitral valve prolapse treatment

Depending on how severe your symptoms are and how much of the prolapse has occurred, your treatment for MVP may change. Treatment is frequently unnecessary in cases that don’t produce symptoms.

Options for possible treatment could be:

• Lifestyle changes: Your symptoms can be controlled with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction techniques.
• Medications: To assist control MVP symptoms, a doctor may give a variety of drugs, such as beta-blockers like propranolol.
• Surgery: To avoid difficulties, surgical repair or replacement of the mitral valve may be required in severe situations.

Mitral valve prolapse causes

MVP does not have a known cause. But it can be connected to several things, such as:

• genetics or a family history of MVP
• abnormal curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis
• connective tissue conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome
• rheumatic fever, a consequence of strep throat left untreated
• age-related structural alterations in the heart

Takeaway

When the valve that separates the heart’s left chambers doesn’t seal correctly, MVP happens.

Some people may have symptoms including weariness, chest pain, and palpitations, while many others may not have any symptoms at all.

Although MVP frequently doesn’t result in major issues, untreated cases may produce complications including arrhythmias.

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