Mitral Valve Prolapse

What Is Mitral Valve?
The mitral valve is one of the four valves of the heart. It is located in the left side of the heart, and it separates the left atrium (or upper chamber) from the left ventricle (or lower chamber and pumping chamber). Because the mitral valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle, it is also known as the left atrioventricular valve.

Valves open and close, like doors. The closure of the valves in the heart is what produces the characteristic "lub-dub" heart sounds. They help direct the flow of blood through the heart, normally allowing flow in one direction. The mitral valve leaflets open equally when blood is flowing from the left atrium and filling the left ventricle. The mitral valve leaflets then close, with both leaflets firm and shut, when the left ventricle contracts and pumps the blood out to the body.

What Is Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which there is a slight variation in shape or structure of the mitral valve, causing one or both of the mitral valve leaflets to "billow" or "bulge" backward into the upper left atrium during the contraction of the lower left ventricle. Remember, when the left ventricle contracts and ejects blood into the aorta and to the body, the mitral valve leaflets should remain firm and shut. Instead, the mitral valve leaflets(s) billow backward causing prolapse.

Sometimes when the mitral valve leaflet prolapses, it may produce a "click". As mentioned earlier, valves help direct the flow of blood in one direction through the heart. Often, when the mitral valve leaflet billows, or prolapses, it allows for a small backward leak of blood. This may produce a soft murmur. The "click-murmur", if present, can sometimes be heard with a stethoscope. Over the years, MVP has also been called the Click-Murmur Syndrome, the Floppy-Valve Syndrome, and Barlow's Syndrome, after the name of its discoverer.

What Are The Symptoms?

• Irregular heart beat otherwise known as "palpitations".
• Tachycardia the speeding up of the heart rate often associated with a "pounding" feeling in the chest.
• Chest pain a frightening symptom because of its association with "heart attacks". This atypical chest pain may be sharp or dull, lasting from a few seconds to several hours.
• Fatigue and weakness people with MVP tend to be out of shape or "deconditioned". They tend to tire easily. Minimal exertion or exercise can cause exhaustion.
• Panic attack also very frightening because of the sudden and unexpected panic or anxiety state occurring with little or no provocation. A person may experience a sense of impending doom. These attacks can be mild or severe and disabling.
• Sleeplessness
• Dizziness
• Headache/migraines
• Intestinal problems - such as irritable bowel