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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) in Cardiology
Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common valvular heart condition in which the mitral valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium during systole. While often benign, it can sometimes lead to complications such as mitral regurgitation, arrhythmias, or infective endocarditis.
Causes and Risk Factors
MVP can be either primary (idiopathic or associated with connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome) or secondary (due to ischemic heart disease or rheumatic fever). Genetic predisposition plays a role in some cases.
Symptoms
Most patients are asymptomatic, but some may experience: - Palpitations (irregular heartbeats) - Chest pain (non-anginal) - Fatigue - Dizziness - Syncope (fainting)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily made using echocardiography, which shows valve prolapse exceeding 2 mm beyond the mitral annular plane. Doppler imaging helps assess regurgitation severity.
Treatment Options
1. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulants
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and low sodium intake
2. Medications:
Beta-blockers can be used to treat palpitations
- ACE inhibitors or diuretics may help manage mitral regurgitation
Anticoagulants if atrial fibrillation is present
3. Surgical Intervention:
Mitral valve repair or replacement is considered in severe regurgitation cases
Potential Complications
- Severe mitral regurgitation leading to heart failure
- Arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation
- Infective endocarditis (especially in high-risk patients)
Prognosis
For most patients, MVP remains a benign condition. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential for monitoring progression.
Conclusion
MVP is usually harmless but requires periodic assessments to prevent complications. If you experience symptoms like frequent palpitations or chest pain, consult your doctor promptly.
Source recommendations
1. 2020 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/16/21/58/2020-ACC-AHA-VHD-GL-Pt-1-GL-VHD
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.035
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-acc-aha-guideline-for-the-management-of-patients-with-valvular-heart-disease
2. 2017 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/38/36/2739/4095039
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886619/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000503
- https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/esc-eacts-guidelines-for-the-management-of-valvular-heart-disease-published-today
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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