Mitral Valve Prolapse

What is mitral valve prolapse (MVP)?

Mitral valve prolapse is the bulging of one or both of the mitral valve flaps during the contraction of the heart. One or both of the flaps may not close properly, allowing the blood to leak backward ("regurgitation"). This may result in a murmur of mitral regurgitation.

Treatment for mitral valve prolapse:

Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Most patients have no symptoms of mitral valve prolapse and, therefore, will not require any treatment. Antibiotics may be given to persons who have leaky valves, and who are undergoing dental or surgical procedures. These antibiotics are given to prevent an infection called bacterial endocarditis.

Depending on the severity of mitral valve prolapse, this condition may require regular follow-up with echocardiograms to detect regurgitation of the valve. A minority of patients with mitral valve prolapse develop arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).