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Other Names: Floppy Mitral Valve, Myxomatous Mitral Valve, Prolapsing Mitral Leaflet Syndrome Mitral
Valve Prolapse
On this page:
Mitral valve prolapse is a disorder in which the mitral valve bulges out
and does not close completely. Return to top 
- Hereditary
- Marfan's syndrome
- Grave's disease
- Thin women with minor
chest wall deformities like scoliosis or other skeletal disorders.
- Atrial septal defect.
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- Palpitations
- Rapid, irregular heart beat.
- Chest pain not related to coronary artery disease or a heart
attack
- Difficulty breathing after a strenuous activity or when lying down flat.
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Anxiety attacks
- Fainting spells
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People with prolapsed mitral valve develop regurgitation of the blood back
in to the left atrium. There is and increased risk of developing infective
endocarditis and atrial fibrillation. These are life threatening conditions
and death from these diseases is not uncommon.
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- Medications
- Antibiotics are prescribed if bacterial infection is present or if
dental work is planned.
- Anti-arrhythmics may be used to control irregular heart
rhythms.
- Vasodilators reduce the workload
of the heart to pump blood by opening up the blood vessels.
- Digitalis may be used to strengthen the heart muscle
- Diuretics or water pills may be used to remove excess fluid in the
lungs.
- Propranolol to reduce palpitations or chest pain.
- Anticoagulants may be used to prevent clot formation.
- Surgery
- Surgical repair of the mitral valve or mitral valve replacement
may be required if severe mitral regurgitation develops.
- Prevention
- Prophylactic antibiotic must be done before any dental workup or any
other invasive procedure where there is danger to introduce bacteria
in the blood stream.
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