Key Points

• Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the heart's mitral valve doesn't work properly. The flaps of the valve are "floppy" and don't close tightly.
• The mitral valve controls the flow of blood between the two chambers on the left side of the heart, the left atrium and the left ventricle.
• In MVP, when the left ventricle contracts, one or both of the flaps of the valve flop or bulge back (prolapse) into the left atrium. This can prevent the valve from forming a tight seal.
• Much of the time, MVP doesn't cause any problems. Rarely, blood can leak the wrong way through the floppy valve, which may cause shortness of breath, palpitations (strong or rapid heartbeats), chest pain, or other symptoms.
• Rarely, MVP can cause complications such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or infective endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves).
• The exact cause of MVP isn't known. Most people who have the condition are born with it. MVP tends to run in families and is more common in people who were born with connective tissue disorders.
• MVP occurs in all age groups and in men and women. MVP with complications or severe symptoms most often occurs in men who are older than 50.
• Many people who have MVP don't have symptoms. Among those who do have symptoms, palpitations are reported most often. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), anxiety, migraine headaches, and chest discomfort.
• MVP most often is found during a routine physical exam when your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart. Diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, also can help diagnose MVP.
• Most people who have MVP don't need treatment because they don't have complications and have few or no symptoms. People who have MVP and troublesome mitral valve backflow usually need treatment. MVP is treated with medicines, surgery, or both.
• You can't prevent MVP. Most people who have the condition are born with it. However, complications are rare.
• If you have MVP, it's important to get ongoing care. See your doctor if your symptoms worsen. Take steps to prevent complications, take all medicines as prescribed, and make healthy lifestyle choices.
• Most people who have MVP are able to live normal, active lives.