Living With Mitral Valve Prolapse
Most people with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have no
symptoms or problems, need no treatment, and are able to lead normal, active
lives. Symptoms and complications, when present, most often can be controlled
with medicines.
Some people may need heart valve surgery to relieve
their symptoms and prevent complications. Rarely, MVP can result in
heart
failure,
arrhythmias
(irregular heartbeats), or
stroke.
Ongoing Health Care Needs
If you have MVP, you should:
- Check with your doctor if your symptoms get
worse.
- Try to prevent
infective endocarditis (an infection of the surface of the
mitral valve flaps).
- Tell your doctors and dentists that you have
MVP. Floss and brush your teeth regularly. Gum infections and tooth decay can
cause endocarditis.
- Call your doctor if you have any signs of
infection, such as sore throat, general body aches, and fever.
- Take all medicines as prescribed, including
blood-thinning and
high
blood pressure medicines.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Avoid smoking and taking birth control pills,
which increase the risk for blood clots.
- Talk with your health care provider about how
much and what kind of exercise is right for you.
- Ask about any changes you need to make to
your diet.
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