Mitral valve prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one of the common heart diseases, which is characterized by protrusion or protrusion of one or both mitral valve leaflets into the cavity of the left atrium during contraction of the left ventricle. Although most cases are asymptomatic, some patients may complain of pain in the heart, arrhythmias, and palpitations.

MVP is more common in young people, especially women. There are two types of MVP: primary and secondary. Primary mitral valve prolapse is associated with heredity or congenital connective tissue diseases, and secondary MVP can be caused by rheumatism, chest trauma, acute myocardial infarction and other diseases.

Symptoms of MVP may include pain in the heart area, which usually lasts several hours and often occurs against the background of emotional distress. Interruptions in the functioning of the heart, rhythm disturbances and palpitations are also possible. When listening to the heart, a “click” of the mitral valve and a late systolic murmur of mitral regurgitation are characteristic. Echocardiography is used to clarify the diagnosis.

With minor mitral valve prolapse and the absence of rhythm disturbances, active treatment is not required. However, with severe prolapse, accompanied by pain and rhythm disturbances, treatment with beta-blockers such as anaprilin and obzidan can be used. In rare cases, surgical treatment may be required, which is selected depending on the degree of mitral valve prolapse.

Possible complications of MVP include infective endocarditis, chord rupture with severe mitral regurgitation, cerebral embolism, and rare cases of sudden death associated with fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

In general, mitral valve prolapse is a common disease that often occurs without clinical manifestations. However, in patients with severe symptoms, treatment with beta blockers or surgery may be required. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to use echocardiography, and the condition can be monitored using phonocardiography and regular consultations with a cardiologist. In addition, patients with MVP are advised to monitor their lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoidance of stressful situations. It is also important to promptly seek medical help if new symptoms appear to prevent possible complications.