Mitral valve prolapse is a medical condition in which one of the valves of the heart does not open or close properly. The affected valve is called the mitral valve and is located between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath when lying flat or after physical activity. Treatments for mitral valve prolapse may include medical monitoring, the use of prescription medications, or surgical intervention.
In many cases, treatments for mitral valve prolapse are not necessary. In fact, a great number of people who have this medical condition do not have any symptoms. A doctor will likely perform periodic tests to make sure there are no complications that indicate that the problem is severe enough to treat. If symptoms do begin to develop, medications may be prescribed to treat the symptoms.
When symptoms are bothersome or the condition is considered medically serious, prescription medications are often prescribed as treatments for mitral valve prolapse. If the patient is experiencing irregular heartbeats, a type of medication known as an anti-arrhythmic drug may be used. Vasodilators may be prescribed to help dilate the blood vessels so that blood can flow more normally. Diuretics, also known as water pills, may be used to rid the body of any excess fluid accumulation. In some cases, anticoagulants, or blood thinners, may be used to prevent the development of blood clots.
Surgical intervention is another option when considering treatments for mitral valve prolapse. Many times, surgical intervention involves the repair of the damaged valve. In other cases, the valve needs to be replaced completely. This is especially true when symptoms become severe, the heart becomes enlarged, or heart function begins to decline.
If surgery to replace the damaged valve becomes the doctor's choice of treatment for mitral valve prolapse, the patient will be admitted to the hospital and placed under general anesthesia. The heart must be stopped during the procedure, so the patient will be connected to a machine that will continue to circulate the blood until the procedure has been completed. The damaged valve will then be removed and replaced with a new valve. This valve may be made with synthetic materials or may be created from tissue from a pig or a cow. After the procedure, the patient will be monitored frequently to make sure the new valve is working properly.