MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE

Mitral valve prolapse is a common heart disorder. It occurs when the valve between your heart's left upper chamber (left atrium) and the left lower chamber (left ventricle) doesn't close properly. When the left ventricle contracts, the valve's leaflets bulge (prolapse) upward or back into the atrium.In most people, mitral valve prolapse is harmless and doesn't require treatment or changes in lifestyle.

It also doesn't shorten your life expectancy. In some people with mitral valve prolapse, however, the progression of the disease requires treatment.

Although mitral valve prolapse is a lifelong disorder, many people with this condition never have symptoms. When diagnosed, people may be surprised to learn that they have a heart abnormality. When signs and symptoms do occur with mitral valve prolapse, it's typically because blood is leaking backward through the valve (regurgitation).

Symptoms can vary widely from one person to another. They tend to be mild, develop gradually and may include:

A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Dizziness, lightheadedness.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, often when lying flat.

Physical exertion fatigue.

Chest pain that's not associated with a heart attack or coronary artery disease.

When your heart is working properly, the mitral valve closes during contraction of the left ventricle to prevent blood from flowing back into your heart's upper left chamber (left atrium). But in some people with the mitral valve malfunctions. In these people, the mitral valve leaflets are abnormal with extra tissue, bulging (prolapsing) like a parachute into their left atrium each time the heart contracts. The bulging may keep the valve from closing tightly. This may not cause problems if only a small amount of blood leaks back into the atrium. When blood leaks backwards through the valve, it's called mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve prolapse can be inherited, frequently running in families.Your doctor is most likely to detect mitral valve prolapse during a routine examination of your heart using a stethoscope. If mitral valve prolapse is present, he or she may hear abnormal sounds, such as a characteristic clicking noise that suggests mitral valve prolapse. If there's significant mitral regurgitation, then your doctor will also hear a heart murmur.

An echocardiogram is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart and its structures, including the mitral valve itself and the flow of blood through it. The amount of leakage (regurgitation) can be measured.If you have mitral valve regurgitation but don't have symptoms, your doctor may suggest you return for examinations to monitor your condition every three to five years. The need for follow-up will be based on the details of your case, including the amount of leakage.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

If you develop symptoms, your doctor might prescribe certain medications. Some medications you might be prescribed include:

Beta blockers

Aspirin

Prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners)

Surgical treatment for mitral valve prolapse

Valve repair

Valve replacement

ACUPUNCTURE and MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE