Summary about Disease
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, doesn't close smoothly or evenly during heart contraction. Instead, one or both of the valve flaps (leaflets) bulge (prolapse) backward into the left atrium. In some cases, this can lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the left atrium. MVP is often benign, causing no symptoms or problems. However, in some individuals, it can lead to complications that require treatment.
Symptoms
Many people with MVP have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can vary widely and may include:
Palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat)
Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat
Fatigue
Chest pain (often atypical, meaning it's not the typical angina pain)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Anxiety or panic attacks
Causes
The exact cause of MVP isn't always known. It's often thought to be due to abnormalities in the valve tissue. Possible contributing factors include:
Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can weaken the mitral valve leaflets and chordae tendineae (the cords that anchor the valve).
Heredity: MVP can run in families.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Problems with the nervous system that controls heart rate and other involuntary functions may play a role.
Medicine Used
Treatment with medication is typically only necessary if MVP causes significant symptoms or complications. Medications might include:
Beta-blockers: To control rapid heart rate and palpitations.
Aspirin or other antiplatelet medications: To prevent blood clots, especially if atrial fibrillation is present.
Anticoagulants: To prevent blood clots in individuals at high risk.
Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup (edema) if heart failure is present.
ACE inhibitors or ARBs: To lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart, particularly if significant mitral regurgitation is present.
Antibiotics: given before dental or surgical procedures to prevent infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) have been shown to not be effective and are not recommended in most cases.
Is Communicable
Mitral valve prolapse is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
In most cases of MVP with no significant symptoms or regurgitation, no specific precautions are needed. However, if you have MVP, the following may be advisable:
Regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor the condition.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
Managing stress and anxiety, as these can exacerbate symptoms.
Consulting with your doctor before taking any new medications or supplements.
Discussing with your doctor regarding antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental or surgical procedures.
Notify your doctor if you have signs of infection like fever, fatigue, chills.
How long does an outbreak last?
MVP is not an outbreak-related disease. It is a chronic condition involving the heart valve. Therefore, the concept of an "outbreak" does not apply.
How is it diagnosed?
MVP is typically diagnosed during a physical examination and confirmed with diagnostic tests:
Physical Exam: A doctor may hear a click or murmur (an unusual heart sound) through a stethoscope.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart, used to visualize the mitral valve and assess the severity of prolapse and regurgitation. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be performed for a more detailed view.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Chest X-ray: May be used to assess the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms in MVP varies greatly. Some people have MVP for their entire lives and never experience any symptoms. Others may experience symptoms that develop gradually or intermittently.
Asymptomatic: Many people remain asymptomatic throughout their lives.
Gradual onset: Symptoms may develop slowly over time.
Intermittent symptoms: Symptoms may come and go, with periods of being symptom-free.
Sudden onset: Rarely, symptoms can appear suddenly, especially in cases of chordae tendineae rupture.
Important Considerations
Most people with MVP do not require treatment and can lead normal lives.
Regular monitoring by a cardiologist is important, especially if symptoms are present or if there is significant mitral regurgitation.
In some cases, surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve may be necessary if regurgitation is severe and causing heart failure.
People with MVP should discuss any concerns they have with their doctor.
Good dental hygiene is important to prevent endocarditis.
Patients need to inform their doctors and dentists that they have Mitral Valve Prolapse.