Mitral Valve Prolapse 

Have you ever felt a fluttering sensation in your chest or experienced unexplained shortness of breath? These could be indications of mitral valve prolapse disease, a common heart condition affecting millions worldwide. Mitral valve prolapse originates when the valve between the heart's left chambers doesn't close properly, potentially leading to various symptoms and complications. 

This article delves into the intricacies of mitral valve prolapse disease, exploring its symptoms, causes, and available treatments. 

What is Mitral Valve Prolapse? 

This condition is one of the most common heart issues affecting the valve between the left heart chambers. It occurs when the mitral valve's flaps, or leaflets, become floppy and bulge backwards into the left atrium during heart contraction. This condition is also known as floppy valve syndrome, click-murmur syndrome, or billowing mitral leaflets. 
Mitral valve prolapse is a myxomatous valve disease, meaning the valve tissue is abnormally stretchy. 

Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse 

Mitral valve prolapse often doesn't cause symptoms, and many people with this condition may not experience any health problems. Symptoms depend on severity and may include: 

• Palpitations are the most common complaint. These can feel like a fast or irregular heartbeat. 
• Mitral valve prolapse chest pain is another frequent symptom, although it differs from the pain associated with coronary artery disease. 
• Some individuals may experience dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. 
• In more severe cases, mitral regurgitation can lead to an enlarged left atrium or ventricle, potentially causing heart failure symptoms such as weakness and breathlessness. 

Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse 

The exact cause of mitral valve prolapse remains unknown, but researchers believe it has a strong genetic component. This condition can occur as an isolated disorder or as part of connective tissue syndromes. 

• Primary mitral valve prolapse involves thickening one or both valve flaps, often seen in people with Marfan syndrome or other inherited connective tissue diseases. 
• Secondary mitral valve prolapse, where the flaps are not thickened, may result from ischemic damage to the papillary muscles or functional changes in the heart muscle. 
• Genetic studies have identified several chromosomal regions linked to mitral valve prolapse, including MMVP1, MMVP2, and MMVP3. Additionally, mutations in genes such as FLNA, DCHS1, and DZIP1 have been found to cause myxomatous forms of mitral valve prolapse in some families. 
• Mitral valve tissues can become more flexible as people age, resulting in prolapse. 

Complications of Mitral Valve Prolapse 

Mitral valve prolapse can lead to several serious complications. 

The main concern is mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backwards through the valve. This makes it harder for the heart to work correctly and can lead to heart failure. People with severe regurgitation who don't have their valves repaired face poor outcomes, with a 20% chance mortality rate within one year and a 50% chance within five years. 

Other potential complications include: 

• Infective endocarditis 
• Atrial fibrillation 
• Ventricular arrhythmias. 
• Swelling of the upper left heart chamber 
• Sudden cardiac arrest 

Risk Factors of Mitral Valve Prolapse 

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing mitral valve prolapse. 

• Age plays a role, as the condition can worsen over time, especially in those over 65. 
• Family history is significant, with certain genetic variants linked to the disorder. 
• Connective tissue disorders (Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) have a strong association with mitral valve prolapse. 91% of patients with Marfan syndrome have this condition. 
• Lack of physical activity & unhealthy eating patterns may contribute to the risk. 
• Other medical conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) & diabetes can also raise the chances of developing mitral valve prolapse. 
• Women are more commonly affected, although men face a higher risk of severe mitral regurgitation. 

Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse 

Doctors typically diagnose mitral valve prolapse through a physical examination and by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. A distinctive clicking sound, often accompanied by a whooshing murmur, may indicate the condition. 

To confirm the diagnosis & assess its severity, cardiologists use various tests, including: 

• An echocardiogram (which uses sound waves to create heart images) is the most useful diagnostic tool. It can be performed as a standard transthoracic echocardiogram or a more detailed transesophageal echocardiogram. 
• Other investigations may include: 
• Chest X-rays to check for an enlarged heart 
• Electrocardiograms to detect irregular heart rhythms 
• Exercise stress tests to evaluate heart function during physical activity 
• In some cases, cardiac catheterisation or cardiac MRI may be necessary for a more comprehensive assessment of the heart and its valves. 

Mitral Valve Prolapse Treatment 

Many people with mild mitral valve prolapse symptoms don't need treatment, especially those with mild cases. Doctors may simply monitor the condition through regular check- 
ups. 

Medications: Doctors may prescribe different medications for mitral valve prolapse based on the underlying causes. 

For those experiencing symptoms, beta-blockers can help manage dizziness or heart palpitations. 

In cases of atrial fibrillation or a history of stroke, anticoagulants might be prescribed. 

Surgical Intervention: When surgery becomes necessary, options include mitral valve repair and replacement. Repair is preferred as it preserves the existing valve and heart function. Replacement involves inserting a mechanical or biological valve. 

When to See a Doctor 

Take immediate medical help if you have sudden or unusual chest pain, as this could indicate a heart attack. For those already diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, consult your doctor if symptoms worsen. 

Prevention 

While mitral valve prolapse can't be directly prevented, individuals can take measures to decrease their risk of acquired heart valve disease and manage the condition effectively, such as: 

• Regular physical activity and planned exercise, as approved by your doctor 
• Quitting smoking 
• Adopting a heart-healthy diet 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes 
• Stress management techniques (yoga or deep breathing) 
• For those with mitral valve prolapse, regular check-ups are vital 

Conclusion 

Mitral valve prolapse, while often benign, impacts millions worldwide and requires careful attention. This condition's potential for complications underscores the importance of early detection and proper management. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors enables individuals to take precautionary steps to maintain their heart health. Regular check-ups, a heart-healthy lifestyle, and open communication with your doctors are crucial to monitor and manage this condition effectively. 

FAQ's 

1. Is mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease? 

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a heart valve disease that falls under the umbrella of cardiovascular diseases. It affects the valve between the left heart chambers and can lead to blood leakage. While often harmless, it requires monitoring and may need treatment in severe cases. 

2. What happens if mitral valve prolapse is not treated? 

If left untreated, mitral valve prolapse may lead to complications such as mitral regurgitation, heart failure, or irregular heartbeats. However, many people with the condition don't experience symptoms or require treatment. 

3. Are mitral valve problems serious? 

Mitral valve problems can range from mild to severe. While many cases of mitral valve prolapse are benign, severe regurgitation can lead to serious complications like heart failure or atrial fibrillation. The severity depends on the degree of valve dysfunction and associated symptoms. 

4. What foods help mitral valve prolapse? 

A heart-healthy diet is beneficial for those with mitral valve prolapse. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains & lean proteins. Omega-3-rich foods like oily fish and flaxseed may help manage inflammation. Limiting sodium, saturated fats, and sugar is also recommended. 

5. What deficiency causes mitral valve prolapse? 

Some studies suggest a correlation between magnesium deficiency and mitral valve prolapse symptoms. Research has found that many patients with symptomatic mitral valve prolapse have low serum magnesium levels. Magnesium supplementation demonstrated improved symptoms in some cases. However, more research is needed to understand this relationship fully.

CARE Medical Team