Health Topics for Cardiovascular Health

UI Heart and Vascular Care

Cardiovascular Diseases

Mitral valve prolapse

The heart is divided into 4 chambers. These chambers fill with blood that is then pumped throughout the body to supply nourishment. To assist this pumping action are four valves that open and close, allowing the blood to move in a forward direction. The mitral valve is the name of one of the four valves.

Mitral valve prolapse occurs in about 5 percent of the population and is more common in women than in men. Its cause is not known. In this condition, the cords and muscles that hold the valve in place are longer than normal. This allows the valve to bulge. When the valve bulges, some blood may leak backwards into the heart instead of moving forward into the body. This leakage creates a sound that is called a heart murmur. Sometimes the mitral valve makes a snapping or clicking sound as it closes. This sound, when heard at the right time in the heart's cycle, is an important clue for the healthcare provider to hear.

Mitral valve prolapse is often diagnosed by listening to the heart beat. It can also be diagnosed with ultrasound or other specialized equipment. Many people who have mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms. A few have irregular heartbeat or chest pain that can be treated with medication. Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not need any treatment for their symptoms and will live normal lives. Rarely, the leakage is severe enough to cause more significant heart problems, and medications or surgery will be necessary.

Patients who have a heart murmur with mitral valve prolapse will often need to take antibiotics before having dental treatments or undergoing surgery. This is to prevent bacteria from infecting the mitral valve.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CARD3033.RF2 VRS# 6149 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.