Mitral valve prolapse means that one or both flaps of the valve between the left upper and lower heart chambers bulge backwards as the heart contracts. It affects roughly 2 to 3 in every 100 people and is usually found when a doctor hears a click or murmur.
For most people it is harmless and never needs treatment. The issue that matters is whether the valve leaks, called mitral regurgitation, and how much. A severe leak strains the heart over years and is the main reason for surgery.
Symptoms
- No symptoms in most people
- Awareness of extra or skipped heartbeats
- Breathlessness on exertion or when lying flat if the leak is significant
- Unusual tiredness
- Atypical chest discomfort not linked to effort
- Light-headedness
Causes and risk factors
In most cases the valve tissue is stretchy and thickened because of a change in its connective tissue, called myxomatous degeneration. The cords that anchor the flaps can lengthen or snap. It often runs in families and is more frequent in people with Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and similar conditions. It is not caused by lifestyle. A small subgroup with thick, floppy leaflets, scarring near the valve and certain ECG changes has a higher risk of rhythm problems and is followed more closely.
How it is diagnosed
- Examination: A mid-systolic click and late murmur heard with a stethoscope.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram: Confirms the prolapse, grades the leak and measures heart size and function. It is the key test and is repeated at intervals.
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram: A detailed view from the gullet used to plan repair.
- Holter or event monitor: Records palpitations to see what rhythm lies behind them.
- Cardiac MRI: Sometimes used to measure the leak precisely or look for scarring.
Treatment options
- Reassurance and periodic echo: No leak or a mild one needs only a check every 3 to 5 years. Moderate leaks are checked yearly.
- Medicines for symptoms: Beta blockers for troublesome palpitations. Blood thinners only if atrial fibrillation develops.
- Surgical mitral valve repair: The preferred treatment for severe leakage. The surgeon reshapes the flap, replaces cords and adds a ring. It can often be done through a small incision on the right chest or robotically.
- Valve replacement: Used when the valve cannot be repaired durably.
- Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: A clip delivered through a leg vein for people at high surgical risk.
When it is urgent
Sudden severe breathlessness, fainting, a sustained racing heartbeat, chest pain, or weakness or speech difficulty suggesting a stroke need emergency care where you are. Fever lasting more than a few days in someone with a leaking valve should also be checked promptly for valve infection.
Travelling to Türkiye for treatment
If you have been told you need surgery, travelling for an opinion and for repair by a surgeon who does many mitral repairs is reasonable, since repair rates depend strongly on experience. Expect about 2 to 3 weeks in the city and do not fly for roughly 10 to 14 days after discharge. Mild prolapse does not justify a trip. Yearly echo follow-up belongs with a cardiologist at home, so ask for the images and report on disc.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mitral valve prolapse dangerous?
Usually not. The small number with a severe leak or certain rhythm problems need treatment, and they are identified by echo and monitoring.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
Not for prolapse alone under current guidelines. They are advised after valve replacement or a previous valve infection.
Can I exercise?
Yes in nearly all cases. People with a severe leak or significant arrhythmia should get individual advice on competitive sport.
Repair or replacement?
Repair keeps your own valve, avoids lifelong strong blood thinners and generally has better long-term results, so it is preferred whenever it is feasible.