Learn the Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral Valve Prolapse

A malfunction of the Mitral Valve can cause the heart to not function properly. The Mitral Valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle in the heart. When the valve does not close properly Mitral Valve Prolapse occurs. Because the valve does not close properly, there is usually resulting of a bulge in the flap into the left atrium. This can then cause a leakage of blood from the valve. There are usually minor effects on the heart. There are no symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse which are known to be commonly associated with the condition, although many people with this condition do report experiencing symptoms. This condition normally does not require any treatment.

Symptoms: Myth or Fact?

Doctors believe that symptoms of mitral valve prolapse are not actual symptoms but a result of anxiety. The reported symptoms of this condition usually are not reported until after a patent is diagnosed with the condition. This leads doctors to believe the reported symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse are not a direct result of the heart malfunction but only symptoms of anxiety a patient may experience after being diagnosed with this condition.

The Symptoms

Patients that have been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse report to experience sudden shortness of breath. Patients report to feel chest pains and heart palpitations. There is no conclusive evidence these are actual symptoms. Doctors believe if these symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse are not caused by anxiety, the symptoms may be a result of another heart condition.

Associations of Mitral Valve Prolapse

There are certain body characteristics that are believed to be associated with Mitral Valve Prolapse. Patients with this condition often have a straight back or flat rib cage. Mitral Valve Prolapse appears to affect people with long fingers, toes, and arms. The patient’s joints are often loose. A low body weight is believed to be linked to Mitral Valve Prolapse. Low blood pressure is common among people with this heart condition.

Most cases of Mitral Valve Prolapse are not severe and require not treatment. Rarely, this condition can be severe enough to cause other heart conditions. The other heart conditions are known to cause symptoms. The symptoms of severe Mitral Valve Prolapse are similar to those of heart failure, such as a build up of fluid. The symptoms of a heart arrhythmia can be experience in patients with a severe form of Mitral Valve Prolapse. Only doctors can properly diagnose this condition.

References:

“Mitral Valve Prolapse” By Jeannette Curtis May 25, 2007 WebMD.com

“Mitral Valve Prolapse Symptoms” February 20, 2007 webmd.com