Complications of mitral valve prolapse
Complications of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are not common. Most people with MVP do not have significant problems and do not need treatment. Complications of MVP develop mostly in people who have:1
- A mitral valve murmur during contraction (systole).
- Thickened mitral valve flaps (leaflets).
- An enlarged upper left heart chamber (atrium) or lower left heart chamber (ventricle).
Complications of MVP include:
- Mitral valve regurgitation, which is the most common complication.
- Infection of the valve and lining of the heart (endocarditis).1 People at risk for infection may need to take antibiotics before having certain dental work, medical procedures, or surgery.
- Irregular or rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
- Temporary interruption of blood flow to an area of the brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA) or a stroke (mainly in those who have atrial fibrillation).
- Heart failure, if mitral valve regurgitation develops.
- Sudden death (very rare).1 The relationship between MVP and sudden death is not clear. It is known that there is a slightly increased chance of sudden death in people with MVP. It is likely to be caused by arrhythmias.2
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: February 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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