Most patients are asymptomatic and here, MVP is usually an incidental finding diagnosed in routine cardiac auscultation.

Some patients present with non-specific symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations and arrhythmias. Dyspnea may be reported and indicates moderate heart insufficiency. Repeated syncopes may result from momentarily diminished cerebral blood flow and should be interpreted similarly. It is not uncommon to hear that psychological stress triggers or aggravates complaints, particularly palpitations and arrhythmias, anxiety and panic attacks.

Because MVP increases the risk for endocarditis, symptoms generally associated with the latter may dominate the clinical presentation. Such patients present with malaise, fever, signs of thromboembolism or ischemic cerebral infarction. Weight loss may be noted after prolonged times of illness.

Auscultation typically reveals a mid-systolic heart murmur, often described as a click. This click corresponds to displacement of one or both mitral cusps into the left atrium and may be followed by a late-systolic murmur that indicates mitral regurgitation [9]. Posture changes may provoke a relative delay of the aforementioned mid-systolic click. Any posture associated with an increased left ventricular volume tenses the tendinous chords and thus aids in delaying or even preventing MVP. In turn, body postures that decrease the volume of the left ventricle have the opposite effect and move the MVP-click closer to the first heart sound. This phenomenon cannot be observed in patients suffering from stenosis of semilunar valves.

• Fatigue

  These symptoms include chest pain, a rapid pulse, palpitations (awareness of heartbeats), migraine headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. [merckmanuals.com]

  Fatigue, weakness, tiring easily, and having a low tolerance for exercise. These are the most common complaints. [thyroid-info.com]

  Most people with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms, however, those who do commonly complain of symptoms may experience: Fatigue is the most common symptom of mitral valve prolapse, although the reason for fatigue is not understood. [medicinenet.com]

• Atrial Septal Defect

  A healthy 55-year-old man without significant past medical history arrived in the ED with a unique presentation of a primary mitral valve prolapse with an atrial septal defect uncommon in cardiology literature. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Results: Patients with the classic form had an earlier age of first diagnosis, more prominent symptoms, and more frequently diagnosis for other disorders (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) than the [dx.doi.org]

  […] acute coronary syndrome hội chứng vành cấp acute pericarditis viêm màng ngoài tim cấp aortic stenosis hẹp chủ aortic regurgitation hở chủ atrial septal defect thông liên nhĩ cardiac tamponade chèn ép tim cardiomyopathy bệnh cơ tim chronic constrictive [memrise.com]

• Dyspnea

  She presented with a 4-year history of gradually worsening dyspnea and decreasing exercise tolerance. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Nausea

  The patient had experienced four orthostatic and stress-related syncopal episodes, associated with nausea and diaphoresis, and a positive tilt test. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  This is different from a syncope caused by cardiac problems because there are known triggers for the fainting spell (standing, heat, emotion ) and identifiable prodromal symptoms (nausea, blurred vision, headache). As Dr. Julian M. [en.wikipedia.org]

  When symptoms do occur, they may include: cough dizziness fatigue and tiredness shortness of breath, especially during exercise or when lying flat You might also develop migraines (recurring headaches that can cause nausea) or experience pain in your [healthline.com]

  Less common symptoms of the disorder include nausea, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and memory problems, along with intestinal problems like diarrhea, constipation, or delayed emptying. [mvpresource.com]

• Intermittent Dysphagia

  The patient also had progressive hoarseness of her voice and intermittent dysphagia. Ear, nose, and throat examination revealed left vocal cord paralysis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Mitral Valve Prolapse

  Mitral Valve Prolapse: What You Need to Know Mitral valve prolapse, also known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow's syndrome, balloon mitral valve, or floppy valve syndrome, is the bulging of one or both of the mitral valve flaps (leaflets) into the left [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Criley et al. originally coined the term "mitral valve prolapse" to describe posterior mitral leaflet motion during systole (1). [gpnotebook.co.uk]

  Other disorders that seem to increase the risk of mitral valve prolapse include rheumatic heart disease, Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Most people with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms. [merckmanuals.com]

• Chest Pain

  Chest pain. Chest pain associated with Mitral Valve Prolapse is different from chest pain associated with coronary artery disease and is a frequent complaint. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Mitral valve prolapse is a common condition which may be asymptomatic or may be associated with atypical chest pain, syncope, palpitations, and embolic phenomena. On auscultation there may be a mid-systolic click and late systolic murmur. [gpnotebook.co.uk]

  These symptoms include chest pain, a rapid pulse, palpitations (awareness of heartbeats), migraine headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. [merckmanuals.com]

• Palpitations

  Symptoms may vary depending on the degree of prolapse present and may include: Palpitations. Palpitations (sensation of fast or irregular heart beat) are the most common complaint among patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  HOME > ARTICLES > ARTICLE Latest Update: Palpitations? Pounding? Panic Attacks? You Might Have Mitral Valve Prolapse! [thyroid-info.com]

  Mitral valve prolapse is a common condition which may be asymptomatic or may be associated with atypical chest pain, syncope, palpitations, and embolic phenomena. On auscultation there may be a mid-systolic click and late systolic murmur. [gpnotebook.co.uk]

  These symptoms include chest pain, a rapid pulse, palpitations (awareness of heartbeats), migraine headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. [merckmanuals.com]

• Heart Disease

  Later, as the disease progresses, symptoms of congestive heart failure may appear. [wikiecho.org]

  We report this rare case of mitral valve prolapse in EMF, in a geographical area where rheumatic heart disease is endemic, to showcase how a rare manifestation of EMF can be misdiagnosed as that of rheumatic heart disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The primary form of Mitral Valve Prolapse is seen frequently in people with Marfan's Syndrome or other inherited connective tissue diseases, but is most often seen in people with no other form of heart disease. Secondary Mitral Valve Prolapse. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

• Heart Murmur

  If the valve also leaks there will be a heart murmur associated with the click. [mottchildren.org]

  Related Keywords: MVP, mitral valve prolapsed, classic MVP, mitral regurgitation, heart murmurs Tagged as: classic MVP, heart murmurs, mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapsed, MVP [highrisklifeinsuranceagency.com]

  The occurrence of total MVP tended to be higher in the group with MVI (47%, 9/19), when compared with the younger CKCS without heart murmurs (13%, 2/15, P = 0.06). MVP was positively associated with excessive heart rate variability (P = 0.003). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The usual method of diagnosis is by listening to the heart with a stethoscope and hearing the abnormal murmur made by mitral valve prolapse. This murmur is usually quite characteristic. However, there are some other heart defects that sound similar. [luriechildrens.org]

• Ear Deformity

  Distribution of the other clinical findings of the BOR syndrome patients were as follows: branchial fistula in five (71.4%), preauricular pits in four (57.1%), ear deformity in two (28.5%), renal anomalies in three (42.8%), lacrimal duct anomaly in two [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Chronic Anxiety

  Mitral valve prolapse syndrome can produce disabling symptoms such as chest pain, chronic anxiety, syncope and many others. The cause of these symptoms is not well understood. [journals.lww.com]

• Dizziness

  These symptoms include chest pain, a rapid pulse, palpitations (awareness of heartbeats), migraine headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. [merckmanuals.com]

  Headaches and migraines Sleeplessness Dizziness or fainting spells, lightheadedness especially when first standing up. Intestinal problems - such as irritable bowel syndrome. Shortness of breath. [thyroid-info.com]

  MVP is usually asymptomatic in the absence of significant regurgitation, although there are reports that some patients experience chest pain, dyspnea, dizziness, and palpitations. [merck.com]

• Stroke

  Anticoagulants to prevent thromboembolism are recommended only for patients with AF or prior transient ischemic attack or stroke. [merck.com]

  There is only a weak relationship between MVP and stroke. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Headache

  These symptoms include chest pain, a rapid pulse, palpitations (awareness of heartbeats), migraine headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. [merckmanuals.com]

  Headaches: Migraines and other headaches. Sleep disorders: Inability to fall asleep, problems staying asleep and night time anxiety attacks. [sofferhealth.com]

  The patient was admitted with a fever and headache that had persisted for three weeks. Repeated blood cultures showed growth of Streptococcus oralis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Headaches and migraines Sleeplessness Dizziness or fainting spells, lightheadedness especially when first standing up. Intestinal problems - such as irritable bowel syndrome. Shortness of breath. [thyroid-info.com]

• Giddiness

  […] include: Unusual chest pain, not caused by a heart condition Feeling of intense fear, feeling panicky Irregular heartbeat patterns, heart palpitations, arrhythmia (a click-murmur sound can be heard using a stethoscope) Feeling of dizziness, feeling giddy [dovemed.com]

Auscultation, echocardiography and possibly electrocardiography are the basis of MVP diagnosis.

Mid-systolic click and late-systolic murmur are characteristic signs and should prompt further cardiological evaluation. Echocardiographic visualization of the mitral valve during heart action allows for precise measurements of displacement into the atrium and thickness. The mitral annular diameter may be another parameter of interest. Such measurements should be realized in images obtained from parasternal long-axis view. That way, MVP may be confirmed and classical cases may be distinguished from non-classical ones [5]. While use of the parasternal long-axis view helps to avoid overestimation of mitral cusp displacement, short axis views may be considered useful in questionable cases [10].

Electrocardiography may be carried out if doubts remain as to the origin and severity of arrhythmias. MVP-associated arrhythmias are benign. Sudden cardiac arrest does rather result from rupture of the tendinous chords and congestive heart failure. This is a very rare occurrence, but it may happen and should be considered when advising about therapeutic options.

• Prolonged QT Interval

  Further hospital stay did not reveal a recurrence of prolonged QT interval or other arrhythmias except for an episode of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  QT interval, unexplained syncope or aortic root enlargement should be restricted from competitive sports. 2 FOLLOW-UP Asymptomatic patients with MVP and mild or no mitral regurgitation can be evaluated clinically every three to five years. 2 Repeated [aafp.org]

  Presence of significant MR and prolonged QT interval on ECG may also influence outcome. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• T Wave Inversion

  T-Wave Inversion Inverted T-waves beyond lead V 1 are common in children. [dx.doi.org]

  Normal T waves were present in 137 athletes (94.5%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The most common abnormality is the presence of ST-T wave depression or T-wave inversion in the inferior leads (II, III and aVF). 13 MVP is associated with an increased incidence of false-positive results on exercise electrocardiography, with ST-T wave [aafp.org]

  A clinical syndrome of bileaflet MVP syndrome has been described, characterized by myxomatous bileaflet MVP, T-wave inversion in the inferolateral electrocardiograph (ECG) leads, and complex ventricular ectopy (arising from one or both of the papillary [emedicine.medscape.com]

Treatment largely depends on the severity of MVP and, if present, the underlying disease.

Most patients are asymptomatic and will remain asymptomatic. They should be reassured that MVP is a benign condition with a low rate of complications. Disease progress should be monitored in regular intervals and thus, patients should undergo echocardiographic examination every five years if comorbidities don't indicate shorter periods of re-evaluation. Asymptomatic patients need not adjust their life style, i.e., they may continue to do sports, even practice intensive training. Similar to any other person, their cardiovascular health may benefit from non-smoking.

Patients diagnosed with moderate MVP may receive symptomatic treatment. Beta-sympatholytics are most frequently administered to relieve autonomic complaints [11]. These patients should be strongly advised to stop smoking and to reduce consumption of coffee, energy drinks and similar stimulants. Because moderate MVP is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring should be realized to detect such irregularities.

Severe MVP may require surgical intervention. If surgery is delayed, left ventricular function will worsen and patients are kept at risk of chordae tendineae rupture and congestive heart failure. This also applies to asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dilation, pulmonary hypertension and/or considerable arrhythmias.

In general, prophylaxis of thromboembolism and stroke may be achieved by administration of anti-coagulants like acetylsalicylic acid. Possible side effects should be considered before choosing this treatment [12].

In patients presenting with signs of endocarditis, antibiotic treatment should be provided accordingly. If an individual is considered to be at high risk of endocarditis due to mitral regurgitation, antibiotics may be administered prophylactically.

Although MVP is often referred to as a benign disorder that does not cause any symptoms in the vast majority of patients, if this condition becomes symptomatic severe consequences and even death are possible, yet unlikely outcomes:

• While mitral regurgitation may not be noted upon diagnosis, MVP may exacerbate and mitral regurgitation may develop. Rupture of tendinous chords provokes a sudden, significant worsening of the patient's condition. Dilation of the left ventricle and reduction of myocardial contractility may ultimately lead to congestive heart failure.
• Insufficiency of the mitral valve does not only affect the left heart but also compromises pulmonary circulation and right heart. In severe cases, global heart insufficiency may result from this condition.
• Additionally, MVP patients are at higher risks of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest as well as endocarditis. The latter, in turn, augments the likelihood of suffering thromboembolism and stroke.

The etiology of MVP is largely unknown. However, familial accumulation has been observed and genetic screens allowed for the identification of several marker sequences associated with an increased risk of MVP. According to the order of description, they have been designated MMVP1, MMVP2 and MMVP3, respectively. They are located at positions 16p11.2-p12.1, 11p15.4 and 13q31.3-q32.1 [2] [3] [4].

Connective tissue disorders like Marfan's syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome may be associated with MVP, but other symptoms usually dominate the clinical picture.

Most MVP patients neither present a marker sequence nor do they suffer from connective tissue disorders. Thus, the majority of MVP cases is deemed idiopathic.

Due to the lack of a uniformly accepted definition, epidemiological data regarding MVP vary largely. There is consensus about MVP being a very common condition, though. It has been estimated that 2.4% of the overall population of the United States is affected by this condition [3]. Elsewhere, prevalence rates of less than 0.5% have been reported, but such results have subsequently been questioned. On the other hand, very high estimates of MVP prevalence - more than 10% have been suggested - seem to originate from a loose definition and overdiagnosis.

Neither racial nor gender predilections are known.

Classic MVP has to be distinguished from non-classic MVP. Both conditions differ in pathophysiology and prognosis, although they share a displacement of mitral cusps into the left atrium of more than 2 mm. Additionally, classic MVP requires a diastolic thickness of those cusps that exceeds 5 mm [5]. In contrast, mitral cusps are less than 5 mm thick in cases of non-classic MVP. Both classic and non-classic MVP seem to account for approximately equal amounts of cases.

With regards to classic MVP, histopathological analyses of mitral cusps reveal myomatous degeneration. Of note, the first "M" in MMVP, as mentioned above, stands for myomatous. Collagen and elastin fiber structures as well as glycosaminoglycan production are altered, which renders mitral cusps less resilient [6]. Similar anomalies can be observed in tendinous chords and very distensible chords are unable to prevent displacement of mitral cusps into the left atrium. These conditions tend to worsen over time and may result in mitral regurgitation. Chordae tendineae may even rupture and in these cases, exacerbation of MVP symptoms is usually very sudden. With mitral regurgitation, both left atrium and left ventricle suffer from volume overload and in the long term, the left ventricle dilates and myocardial contractility diminishes [7]. Pressure loads also affect pulmonary veins and may subsequently compromise pulmonary circulation in general as well as right atrium and ventricle.

Non-classic MVP is not associated with mitral valve degeneration. Histopathological analysis of these tissues don't reveal any anomalies in such patients. MVP rather occurs secondary to any other disorder, e.g., volume depletion [8], left ventricular dilation that does not result from classic MVP, relatively small mitral cusps, etc. Progression largely depends on the underlying disease and is not to be expected in cases of momentary hypovolemia, but is likely if the primary disease aggravates.

Because genetic factors seem to play a role in MVP, routine echocardiographic exams may be of use to detect anomalies in first-degree relatives of those patients diagnosed with this disease. However, since most cases are deemed idiopathic, only few patients will truly benefit from this measure. Otherwise, no preventive actions can be recommended.

The mitral valve is located between left atrium and left ventricle. Both atrioventricular valves, i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve, are open during diastole and thus allow filling of the left and right ventricle, respectively. The abrupt increase in ventricular pressure that occurs at the beginning of systole evokes passive closure of the atrioventricular valves. All cusps - the mitral valve has two, the tricuspid valve three - close flush and form a tight seal that impedes blood to flow back into the respective atrium. Under physiological conditions, the tendinous chords that connect valve cusps and intraventricular papillary muscles prevent the former to protrude into the atrium. Without tendinous chords, systolic intraventricular pressure would suffice to turn atrioventricular valve cusps into the respective atrium.

With regards to the left heart, protrusion of one or both cusps into the atrium is referred to as mitral valve prolapse (MVP). It may be associated with mitral insufficiency and, if blood leaks into the left atrium during systole, mitral regurgitation. The entirety of symptoms related to these conditions is designated mitral valve prolapse syndrome and typically comprises fatigue, dizziness, arrhythmias and chest pain. Mild cases are generally asymptomatic, but an exacerbation is possible [1]. It's etiology is largely unknown and many cases are deemed idiopathic. A genetic component has been suggested and pedigree analyses seem to imply a genetic disorder inherited with an autosomal dominant trait. MVP may also be diagnosed in patients suffering from complex cardiac malformations and connective tissue disorders.

In general, auscultation prompts a strong suspicion for MVP. This diagnosis is subsequently confirmed by means of echocardiography.

There are four chambers in the heart, two atria and two ventricles. Cardiac valves are located between atrium and ventricle on the left and right side of the heart and impair backflow of blood during heart action. In order to do so, these valves open when the ventricle is filling and close upon intraventricular pressure increase, which is necessary to pump the blood through the body. Furthermore, tendinous chords attach atrioventricular valve cusps to intraventricular muscles to avoid protrusion into the atrium. If valvular tissue structure is altered or if those suspending chords rupture, intraventricular pressure will push valvular cusps into the atrium.

The mitral valve is ubicated between left atrium and left ventricle and a mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when one or both of its cusps bulge into the left atrium. The entirety of symptoms that may be associated with this condition is referred to as mitral valve prolapse syndrome.

Causes

In most cases, no precise cause can be determined and MVP is deemed idiopathic.

In some families, MVP may be detected unusually often and this observation implies a genetic component in MVP etiology. Indeed, several marker sequences have been identified that are related to this condition.

MVP may also occur in patients suffering from connective tissue disorders like Marfan's syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

Symptoms

Most patients are asymptomatic and will remain asymptomatic. In some cases, patients claim fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations or breathing difficulties. Symptoms may exacerbate in situations of psychological stress and patients may experience anxiety or panic attacks.

Diagnosis

Auscultation generally prompts a strong suspicion for MVP. Indeed, routine examination often leads to incidental diagnosis of MVP since most patients don't present any symptoms and never consult their physicians due to possible cardiac problems.

Confirmation and evaluation of MVP severity require echocardiography, i.e., an ultrasound examination of the heart.

Treatment

Asymptomatic patients may merely undergo echocardiographic follow-ups in five-year intervals to monitor possible disease progress. Those individuals experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms may benefit from beta-blockers.

In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary to avoid global cardiac insufficiency and heart failure although these are very rare complications of MVP.

1. Malev E, Zemtsovsky E, Pshepiy A, Timofeev E, Reeva S, Prokudina M. Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in young adults with mitral valve prolapse. Exp Clin Cardiol. 2012; 17(4):165-168.
2. Disse S, Abergel E, Berrebi A, et al. Mapping of a first locus for autosomal dominant myxomatous mitral-valve prolapse to chromosome 16p11.2-p12.1. Am J Hum Genet. 1999; 65(5):1242-1251.
3. Freed LA, Acierno JS, Jr., Dai D, et al. A locus for autosomal dominant mitral valve prolapse on chromosome 11p15.4. Am J Hum Genet. 2003; 72(6):1551-1559.
4. Nesta F, Leyne M, Yosefy C, et al. New locus for autosomal dominant mitral valve prolapse on chromosome 13: clinical insights from genetic studies. Circulation. 2005; 112(13):2022-2030.
5. Freed LA, Levy D, Levine RA, et al. Prevalence and clinical outcome of mitral-valve prolapse. N Engl J Med. 1999; 341(1):1-7.
6. Greenhouse DG, Murphy A, Mignatti P, Zavadil J, Galloway AC, Balsam LB. Mitral valve prolapse is associated with altered extracellular matrix gene expression patterns. Gene. 2016; 586(1):56-61.
7. Griffin BP. Timing of surgical intervention in chronic mitral regurgitation: is vigilance enough? Circulation. 2006; 113(18):2169-2172.
8. Di Salvo G, Pergola V, Ratti G, et al. Atrial natriuretic factor and mitral valve prolapse syndrome. Minerva Cardioangiol. 2001; 49(5):317-325.
9. Bouknight DP, O'Rourke RA. Current management of mitral valve prolapse. Am Fam Physician. 2000; 61(11):3343-3350, 3353-3344.
10. López-Candales A, Schwartz J. Mitral valve contour in short axis: a useful view in the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse. J Med. 2004; 35(1-6):221-231.
11. Bachmann S, Muller-Werdan U, Huber M, Kasel M, Werdan K, Schmidt H. Positive impact of the beta-blocker celiprolol on panic, anxiety, and cardiovascular parameters in patients with mitral valve prolapse syndrome. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2011; 31(6):783-785.
12. Furie KL, Kasner SE, Adams RJ, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the american heart association/american stroke association. Stroke. 2011; 42(1):227-276.