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What is mitral valve prolapse (MVP)?
Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which the valve (called the mitral valve)
between the upper chamber (the atrium) and lower chamber (the ventricle) on the left side
of the heart bulges into the upper chamber when the heart contracts. The function of the
mitral valve is to allow blood flow to occur between these two chambers during contraction
of the heart, and to close off blood flow during the relaxation phase of the heart.
Most patients with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms. Frequently referred to as a
female condition, between 25% and 30% of the normal female population experience this
condition. In both male and female patients who do experience symptoms with mitral valve
prolapse, these may include a nonspecific vague chest discomfort, heart pounding,
palpitations, skipped beats, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. This chest discomfort
may also be accompanied by symptoms of dizziness, light-headedness, shortness of breath,
or a feeling of anxiety. In some extreme cases, the patient may experience chest pain
which simulates angina pectoris secondary to coronary artery narrowing and, for some
individuals, the discomfort may be a long-term problem.
As with other valvular conditions, the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse can be made
with a study called an echocardiogram. Once the diagnosis is made, the physician will
address the symptoms and problems associated with the condition to determine whether it is
necessary to treat the patient with medication.
It is important to know that if you have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse or
any other problem involving the valves of your heart, you should alert your dentist or
surgeon to this diagnosis before having any kind of dental or surgical procedure done. It
is advisable to have an antibiotic prescribed prior to having a dental or surgical
procedure performed.
At this point, it should also be noted that in some individuals there is a neurologic
syndrome called neurogenic syncope. In these individuals, for reasons which are not clear,
there is an associated tendency towards fatigue, weakness on exertion, and occasionally
passing out upon standing or rapid change in body position. The exact mechanism by which
mitral valve prolapse causes this problem is not clear, although improved physical
conditioning does helps in many patients. However, for some patients, medications must be
given in an attempt to raise the blood pressure.
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