Mitral Valve Prolapse – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Heart Valve Conditions

Mitral valve bulging occurs when the flaps (leaflets) of the heart valve between the left chambers become floppy. These leaflets bulge backward into the left upper chamber (atrium) when the heart contracts, similar to a parachute opening.

This condition can sometimes cause blood to flow backward across the valve. When blood leaks back from the left ventricle into the left atrium, doctors call this valve leakage.

The valve separates the two left heart chambers and normally ensures blood flows in one direction only.

Most people with this condition live normal lives without treatment or lifestyle changes. However, some individuals may need medications or surgery if the leakage becomes severe.

Other names for this condition include:

  • Barlow Syndrome
  • Billowing Mitral Valve Syndrome
  • Click-Murmur Syndrome
  • Floppy Valve Syndrome
  • Mitral Bulging
  • Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Key facts:

  • Not usually life-threatening
  • May not require treatment
  • Can cause a distinctive heart sound during examination
  • Sometimes runs in families

This heart valve condition is relatively common and often discovered during routine heart examinations. Your doctor might hear a clicking sound followed by a murmur when listening to your heart.

Symptoms

People with mitral valve prolapse may experience different symptoms based on how much blood leaks through the valve. Many individuals have no noticeable symptoms at all, while others develop mild symptoms over time.

Common symptoms include:

  • Irregular heartbeat or racing heart
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Breathing difficulties, especially during physical activity or when lying down
  • Fatigue or feeling tired often

The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Some people may have several symptoms, while others might only notice one or two.

When to see a doctor

If you notice symptoms that might be related to mitral valve prolapse, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Many different health conditions can cause similar symptoms, so getting a proper diagnosis is important.

Don’t wait to get help if you experience sudden or unusual chest pain. Seek emergency medical attention right away, as these could be signs of a serious problem.

For those already diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, contact your doctor if you notice your symptoms getting worse over time.

Causes

Mitral valve disease happens due to problems with how the mitral valve works in the heart. The mitral valve is important because it helps blood flow correctly through the heart.

The heart has four valves that open and close with each heartbeat. These valves make sure blood moves in the right direction. When the mitral valve doesn’t work properly, blood flow to the body can decrease.

In mitral valve prolapse, the valve leaflets (flaps) have extra tissue or stretch too much. This makes them bulge backward into the left atrium (upper heart chamber) when the heart contracts. This bulging is called prolapse.

When the leaflets bulge, they might not close completely. If the valve doesn’t close tightly, blood can leak backward through the valve. This backward flow of blood is called mitral valve regurgitation.

Risk Factors

Mitral valve prolapse can affect anyone regardless of age. Men over 50 often experience more serious symptoms. This condition may run in families through genetic inheritance.

Several health conditions are linked to mitral valve prolapse:

  • Ebstein Anomaly (a heart defect)
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  • Graves’ Disease
  • Marfan Syndrome
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Scoliosis (spine curvature)

These connections suggest that underlying tissue or structural issues may play a role in developing the condition.

Complications

People with mitral valve prolapse may experience several serious issues:

  • Blood flowing backward – When the valve flaps don’t close properly, blood can leak backward into the heart. This makes the heart work harder than normal. Men and those with high blood pressure face a greater risk of this problem.

  • Irregular heartbeats – The heart may develop rhythm problems. This is especially true if the valve leakage becomes severe and causes the upper left chamber of the heart to enlarge.

These complications can affect daily life. They may require medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.