Mitral Valve Prolapse

Symptoms

For most people with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), the effect on the heart is minor, and they have no symptoms.

Some people with MVP have shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart palpitations. But it is not clear that these symptoms are caused by MVP. Doctors don't know exactly why some people have these symptoms.

In rare cases, people who develop severe mitral valve regurgitation may have symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, fluid buildup, and fatigue) or symptoms of arrhythmia (such as lightheadedness and weakness).

There are other conditions that have symptoms similar to MVP, including other heart valve conditions that cause similar abnormal heart sounds.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: February 9, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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