What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Mitral Valve
Prolapse?
The majority of people with mitral valve prolapse
(MVP) arent affected by the condition because they dont have any
symptoms or significant mitral valve regurgitation. Among those who do have
symptoms,
heart
palpitations (strong or rapid heartbeats) are reported most often.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, cough,
dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), anxiety, migraine headaches, and chest
discomfort.
Symptoms can vary widely from one person to another.
They tend to be mild but can worsen over time, mainly when there are
complications of MVP.
Complications of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Complications of MVP are rare, but when present,
theyre most often due to regurgitation of blood through the valve. Mitral
valve regurgitation is most common among men and people with
high
blood pressure. People with severe cases of mitral valve regurgitation may
need valve surgery to prevent complications.
In mitral valve regurgitation, blood flows backward
from the left ventricle into the left atrium. It can even back up from the
atrium into the lungs, causing shortness of breath. The backward flow of blood
puts a strain on the muscles of both the atrium and the ventricle. Over time,
the strain can lead to
arrhythmias
(irregular heartbeats). Regurgitation also increases the risk of
infective endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the
valves.
Arrhythmias
Mitral valve regurgitation can cause arrhythmia, an
abnormal rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
There are many different types of arrhythmia. The
most common arrhythmias are harmless. Others can be serious or even life
threatening. When the heart rate is too slow, too fast, or irregular, the heart
may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. Lack of blood flow can damage
the brain, heart, and other organs.
One troublesome arrhythmia that may be seen with MVP
and regurgitation is atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the walls of
the atria quiver instead of beating normally. As a result, the atria
arent able to pump blood into the ventricles the way they should.
Atrial fibrillation is bothersome but rarely life
threatening unless its very fast or unless it causes blood clots to form
in the atria. Blood clots can form in the atria because some of the blood
pools there instead of flowing into the ventricles. If a blood clot
breaks off and goes into the bloodstream, it can reach the brain and cause a
stroke.
Infection of the Mitral Valve
A deformed mitral valve flap attracts bacteria that
may be found in the bloodstream. The bacteria attach to the valve and can cause
a serious infection called infective endocarditis. Signs and symptoms of a
bacterial infection include fever, chills, body aches, or headaches.
Infective endocarditis doesnt happen often,
but when it does, its serious. MVP is the most common heart condition
that puts people at risk for this infection.
Floss and brush your teeth regularly. Gum infections
and tooth decay can cause endocarditis. |