Mitral Valve Prolapse/Regurgitation

What Is the Mitral Valve?

The mitral valve facilitates blood flow between the upper chambers of the heart and the lower chambers of the heart on the left side—in other words, the left atrium and the left ventricle. Problems with the mitral valve can be serious. This page covers two conditions that affect the mitral valve: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral valve regurgitation.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

When the two flaps that make up the mitral valve does not close properly, but rather bulge or “prolapse” in an upward direction toward the upper left chamber of the heart, this is known as mitral valve prolapse. Mitral valve prolapse—also known as “click murmur syndrome” or “floppy valve syndrome”—can affect anyone at any age. Some are genetically predisposed to this condition, and may be born with it. Others may develop mitral valve prolapse in connection with some disorders such as certain connective tissue diseases. Only about 2% of people have this condition. In most cases, treatment / surgery is not required, as mitral valve prolapse can be harmless. However, some patients may need medication and / or surgery. Talk to your doctor at Washington Township Medical Foundation in Fremont.

Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse include:

• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heart beats
• Heart palpitations

Mitral Valve Regurgitation

When the mitral valve fails to close tightly, this can cause the blood to flow backward into the heart every time that the lower left chamber or left “ventricle” contracts. This can cause increased blood volume / pressure in the affected area and can lead to congestion in the lungs. A severe case of mitral valve regurgitation may present symptoms such as heart palpitations, particularly when the individual is resting on his / her left side, or even coughing, congestion, swelling in the legs and feet, and shortness of breath during exercise.