What is mitral valve prolapse?

In: Cardiovascular Health

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Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a valvular heart disease characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole. In its nonclassic form, MVP carries a low risk of complications. In severe cases of classic MVP, complications include mitral regurgitation, infective endocarditis, and - in rare circumstances - cardiac arrest usually resulting in sudden death.

Symptoms

Some patients with MVP experience heart palpitations, atrial fibrillation, or syncope, though the prevalence of these symptoms does not differ significantly from the general population. Between 11 and 15% of patients experience moderate chest pain and shortness of breath. These symptoms are most likely not caused directly by the prolapsing mitral valve, but rather by the mitral regurgitation that often results from prolapse.

For unknown reasons, MVP patients tend to have a low body mass index (BMI) and are typically leaner than individuals without MVP. MVP is a frequent occurrence in individuals with the Marfan syndrome. ^[1]

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitral_valve_prolapse

First answer by SabrinaSingularity. Last edit by Porkdisco. Contributor trust: 400 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 26 [recommend question]

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