CardioAdvocate

MVP

Updated
Mitral Valve Prolapse

Deep Dive

Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common heart valve condition where the flaps of the mitral valve bulge or prolapse into the left atrium of the heart during the contraction of the heart muscle. This can lead to mitral regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart.

While mitral regurgitation can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations, not all individuals with MVP will experience these symptoms. In some cases, MVP may be identified incidentally during a routine physical examination or imaging tests like echocardiography. MVP can be associated with varying degrees of mitral regurgitation, ranging from mild to severe.

Treatment for MVP depends on various factors including the presence of symptoms, the degree of mitral regurgitation, and the impact on heart function. In many cases, individuals with MVP may not require any specific treatment apart from regular monitoring by a healthcare provider. However, if symptoms are present or if mitral regurgitation is severe, treatment options such as medications to manage symptoms or surgical intervention to repair or replace the mitral valve may be considered. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring tests are important to track the progression of MVP and mitral regurgitation to ensure appropriate management and timely interventions if needed.


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