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Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral Valve Prolapse Treatment in Delhi, India

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Overview

Mitral valve prolapse is the disease of the valve between the left heart chambers, called the mitral valve. The mitral valve's flaps bulge backward (prolapse) into the left chamber of the heart and when the heart contracts, it causes blood to leak backwards across the valve; the condition known as mitral valve regurgitation.

Mitral valve prolapse can be treated with medications or surgery in case of severe regurgitation. However, it is not a life-threatening disease and cannot be treated by making lifestyle changes.

Mitral Valve Prolapse Symptoms

Mitral valve prolapse is an asymptomatic condition. However, as the condition worsens, some symptoms may become evident, such as:

Mitral Valve Prolapse Causes

The cause of mitral valve prolapse is not known. It has been observed that mitral valve prolapse has a male predilection and is usually diagnosed in individuals over 50. However, a mutation in genes has been linked to its prevalence. Also, some studies suggest that it may be inherited from previous generations. Some of the genetic conditions associated with mitral valve prolapse include:

  • Ebstein anomaly
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Scoliosis
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Graves' disease
  • Muscular dystrophy

Mitral Valve Prolapse Diagnosis

A physical exam and the record of medical history and symptoms are done to diagnose mitral valve prolapse. Through the stethoscope, a clicking sound may be heard. In addition, if blood leaks backwards through the mitral valve, a whooshing sound (heart murmur) also may be heard. Doctors may advise certain tests to confirm mitral valve prolapse and evaluate the heart condition, such as:

  • Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram can confirm a diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse. Additionally, it can help determine the severity of the condition.
  • Chest X-ray: This shows the condition of the heart and lungs and helps determine if it has enlarged in size.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart and detects irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias.
  • Exercise or stress tests: For a stress test, the person has to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while connected to an ECG machine. The machine records the electrical activities of the heart during exertion.
  • Catheterization of the heart: This test can be helpful if other tests fail to diagnose the condition.

Mitral Valve Prolapse Treatment

In most cases, people without any symptoms do not require any treatment. However, if the patient is asymptomatic and has been diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation, regular check-ups to monitor the condition of the heart are essential. In case of severe mitral valve regurgitation, medications or surgery are recommended, even in asymptomatic patients.

1. Medications

Medicines are prescribed to treat irregular heartbeats or other complications of mitral valve prolapse. Some medications include:

  • Beta-blockers: These medicines help reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the heart rate.
  • Diuretics: These medicines lower sodium and water levels in the body, thereby reducing blood pressure.
  • Antiarrhythmics: These medicines  help control irregular rhythms of the heart.
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants): If mitral valve disease leads to atrial fibrillation, blood thinners can help prevent clots. Even in conditions when the mitral valve has been replaced with a mechanical valve, blood thinners are prescribed forever. 
  • Antibiotics: In patients with mitral valve replacement, prophylactic antibiotics must be taken to prevent infection of the heart, known as infective endocarditis.

2. Surgery

Mitral valve prolapse does not need treatment. But surgery may be recommended if the condition causes severe mitral valve regurgitation, with or without symptoms. The surgery aims at repairing or replacing the mitral valve. A preferred surgery is repairing the valve since it saves the original valve.

The surgery can be an open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive one. Minimally invasive surgery involves small incisions, less blood loss, and a faster recovery than open-heart surgery. The surgeon may remove excess tissue from the prolapsed valve during the surgery to allow the flaps to close tightly. Additionally, they may replace the cords that support the valve. Sometimes, a valve-in-valve procedure is performed to place a replacement valve into the original valve that has prolapsed.

3. Lifestyle and home remedies

People with mitral valve prolapse must visit their doctor for regular monitoring of heart function. One must also take extra care to improve heart function. Some of the things that the doctor might suggest are:

  • Maintenance of a healthy weight: Obese patients must work on losing weight.
  • Managing stress: Working out, connecting with others, and practising mindfulness lowers stress levels.
  • Avoid tobacco & Quit smoking: Ask the health care provider about resources to help quit smoking.

Mitral Valve Prolapse Complications

Mitral valve prolapse may lead to the following complications:


  • Mitral valve regurgitation: When the valve flaps fail to close correctly, the blood flows backwards, disturbing the routine function of the heart. 
  • Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias): Irregular heartbeats may pose a threat if mitral valve prolapse leads to severe regurgitation, followed by the swelling of the upper left heart chamber or the atrium.

Mitral Valve Prolapse Risk Factors

Mitral valve prolapse can affect any person at any age. However, serious mitral valve prolapse symptoms often occur in men older than 50. Mitral valve prolapse can be inherited and may be linked to several other conditions, such as:

  • Ebstein anomaly
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Scoliosis
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Graves' disease
  • Muscular dystrophy

Prognosis

Mitral valve prolapse is a harmless condition and does not lower the patient's life expectancy. Symptoms that present can be treated and controlled with medicines or surgery. Some abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias, can be life-threatening in people with mitral valve prolapse. However, if the valve leakage becomes severe, the outlook may be similar to that of people who have mitral regurgitation from any other cause. Thus, one must follow a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise for overall health benefits.

Last Update

Reviewed by Dr. Rajneesh Malhotra, Principal Director - Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Surgery (CTVS) on 06-Dec-2022.

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