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Mild severity
· Cardiology
Mitral Valve Prolapse
MVP · Floppy mitral valve
One or both flaps of the mitral valve bulge backward when the heart contracts. Most people have no symptoms and live a full life.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Up to 2% of adults
- Typical age
- Often diagnosed in 20s–40s
- Outlook
- Usually benign, monitor
- System
- Heart
Reviewed by a practising cardiology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Connective-tissue disorders
- Genetic predisposition
- Marfan syndrome association
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Most are symptom-free
- Occasional palpitations
- Chest discomfort
- Light-headedness or anxiety
- Fatigue
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Annual echocardiogram if regurgitation
- Beta-blocker for symptomatic palpitations
- Antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk dental work
- Valve repair if severe regurgitation
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Stay hydrated, regular sleep
- Limit caffeine if symptomatic
- Treat anxiety if it worsens symptoms
- Tell your dentist about your MVP
Do’s
- Get a baseline echocardiogram
- Stay active — most can do any sport
- Inform every clinician of the diagnosis
Don’ts
- Take stimulants without your cardiologist's nod
- Smoke or use cocaine
- Skip annual reviews if you have regurgitation
- Worry — most cases are benign
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all cardiology doctors Top 4 doctors for Mitral Valve Prolapse
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
D
2
DP
3
DB
4
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.