Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the mitral valve leaflets collapse (prolapse) into the upper left chamber of the heart (left atrium) like a parachute during heart contraction. Some patients with mitral valve prolapse experience mitral valve insufficiency, which causes blood to flow backwards into the left atrium. In most people, mitral valve prolapse is not life-threatening and does not require treatment or changes in lifestyle. However, some people with mitral valve prolapse require treatment.
Symptoms
Although mitral valve prolapse is usually a lifelong disease, many people with the condition The person never has symptoms. When diagnosed, people may be surprised to learn that they have heart disease.
When signs and symptoms occur, it is because blood leaks backwards through the mitral valve (regurgitation). Mitral valve prolapse symptoms can vary widely from person to person. They tend to be mild and develop slowly. Symptoms may include:
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Dizziness
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Syncope (fainting)
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Palpitations
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue
When to see a doctor
If you think you have any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor. Many other conditions cause the same symptoms as mitral valve prolapse, so just a visit to your doctor can determine the cause of your symptoms.
Causes
If your heart is working properly, During contraction of the left ventricle, the mitral valve closes completely, preventing blood from flowing back into the upper left chamber of the heart (left atrium). However, in some people with mitral valve prolapse, one (or both) of the mitral valve leaflets protrude like a parachute into the left atrium every time the heart contracts. This condition can prevent the mitral valves from closing tightly, and mitral valve regurgitation develops when blood leaks backwards. Mitral regurgitation may not cause a problem if it is small. More severe mitral valve regurgitation, shortness of breath, fatigue or cause symptoms such as dizziness.
Risk factors
Mitral valve prolapse can occur at any age. Mitral valve prolapse may be familial and is common in the following cases:
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Asthenic structure
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Thoracic skeletal anomalies (pectus excavatum, scoliosis, etc.)
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Marfan syndrome
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
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Ebstein anomaly
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Muscular dystrophy
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Graves Disease
Complications
Although most people with mitral valve prolapse usually have no problems, various problems can occur:
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Mitral valve regurgitation. The most common complication is blood leaking back from the mitral valve into the left atrium. If mitral regurgitation is severe, surgery may be required to repair or replace the mitral valve to prevent heart failure.
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Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). Irregular heart rhythms occur most often in the upper chambers of the heart. They can be uncomfortable, but are not usually life-threatening. People with severe mitral valve regurgitation or severe deformity of their mitral valves are at risk of rhythm problems that can affect blood flow in the heart.
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Heart valve infection (endocarditis). The innermost layer of the heart is called the endocardium. Endocarditis is infection of this inner layer. An abnormal mitral valve increases your risk of getting endocarditis from bacteria, which can further damage the mitral valve. People at high risk of endocarditis may be prescribed antibiotics before certain dental and medical procedures to reduce the risk of infection.
Prevention
You cannot prevent mitral valve prolapse. However, you can reduce the occurrence of complications associated with it by taking your medications, if any, regularly as directed.
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