Mitral Valve Prolapse
By: Alexa Silvagni and Sydney Winston
What is it?
When the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle (mitral valve) does not close properly. It mainly affects thin women who have minor chest wall deformities, scoliosis, or other disorders.
What are the symptoms?
Sympoms include:
- Racing heartbeat
-Dizziness or lightheadedness
-Diffliculty breathing
-Fatigue
-Chest pain not caused by heart attack
How is it diagnosed?
Most of the time it is diagnosed during a physical exam after symptoms are shown.
How is it treated?
Treatment isn't always necessary, but when it is it can be treated by medicine surgery or both.
Prognosis
Most patients can lead normal active lives and are encouraged to do so. Checkups are scheduled every three to five years.
Mitral Valve Prolapse and Mitral Regurgitation - Animation and Narration by Cal Shipley, M.D.