Mitral valve prolapse usually does not cause symptoms, and is seen only during routine cardiac exams. However, in some cases there may be chest pain, tiredness after exertion, shortness of breath and changes in heartbeat, and it is recommended to seek help from the cardiologist in order to start treatment.
In some cases, mitral valve prolapse may interfere with the normal functioning of the heart and may result in symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnoea and edema.
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is, in most cases, asymptomatic; however, there may be some symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain, which is not caused by coronary artery disease or heart attack;
- Tiredness after exertion;
- Shortness of breath;
- Dizziness and fainting;
- Accelerated heart rate;
- Difficulty breathing in lying down position;
- Sensation of numbness in limbs;
- Panic and anxiety;
- Palpitations, being able to perceive the abnormal heart beats.
Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, when they arise, may develop slowly, so as soon as any changes are noticed, it is recommended that you go to the cardiologist for tests so that the diagnosis is completed and treatment is started.
Diagnosis of prolapse
The diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse is made by the cardiologist through the analysis of the patient's clinical history, presented symptoms and exams, such as echo and electrocardiogram, auscultation of the heart, chest X-ray and MRI of the heart.
These tests are done to evaluate the movements of contraction and relaxation of the heart as well as the structure of the heart. In addition, it is through the auscultation of the heart that the doctor hears the mesosystolic click and the blow after the click, which is characteristic of the mitral valve prolapse, concluding the diagnosis.
How is the treatment done?
Normally mitral valve prolapse does not need treatment, since it does not present symptoms, but in more severe and symptomatic cases, the cardiologist may recommend the use of some medications, such as antiarrhythmics, diuretics, beta-blockers or anticoagulants.
In addition to medications, it may be necessary in some cases to have surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve. Learn more about treatment for mitral valve prolapse.
