What is Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome?

Mitral valve prolapse syndrome is a type of heart disorder that can cause a number of symptoms, including breathing problems, chest pains, and fatigue. Problems arise because of a defect in the mitral valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. An abnormal valve does not close tightly during heart contractions, and excess tissue may bulge backward into the atrium. Most people who have mitral valve prolapse syndrome are able to overcome their symptoms with daily medications, though some patients with severe health problems require surgery to repair or replace their damaged heart valves.

The mitral valve normally allows blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle and then contracts tightly as the ventricle pumps blood out of the heart. In the case of mitral valve prolapse syndrome, an abundance of soft tissue called collagen causes the valve to thicken and weaken. When blood flows to the ventricle, the valve is unable to close and flaps of tissue prolapse back into the atrium. Small prolapses are very common in the general population and do not cause any adverse symptoms. When mitral valve prolapse is severe, however, a person may experience major health problems related to poor blood flow.

The exact causes of mitral valve prolapse syndrome are unclear, but it is most often an inherited, congenital defect. People who inherit the disorder tend to start experiencing symptoms in their adolescent years. It is common for sufferers to have underlying connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, that can cause other body-wide symptoms. Individuals who are tall, slender, and have very straight backs are at an increased risk of developing symptoms, though the medical reasons why are not well understood.

The most common symptoms of mitral valve prolapse syndrome are fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness during and after physical activity. A person may be able to feel his or her heart beating in the chest and notice irregularities in the timing or intensity of heart contractions. Chest pains may be sharp and acute or dull and long-lasting. Migraines, panic attacks, and mental confusion are possible complications. Rarely, blood flow can become so disrupted that a person has a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

Diagnostic imaging scans can be used to identify physical defects in the mitral valve. Other tests such as electrocardiograms help doctors determine the severity of symptoms and what types of treatment should be considered. In many cases, patients respond well to prescription medications that thin the blood and stabilize the heart-rate. Surgery to remove excess tissue from the mitral valve might be considered if medications do not help. If all other treatments fail, the mitral valve can be replaced with an artificial flexible tube.