What does floppy mitral valve mean?
Mitral valve prolapse, also known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow’s syndrome, balloon mitral valve, or floppy valve syndrome, is the bulging of one or both of the mitral valve flaps (leaflets) into the left atrium during the contraction of the heart.
What is a floppy heart valve?
The degeneration of the mitral valve can produce severe mitral valve deficiency and MVP, and that’s when the term “floppy valve syndrome” applies, explains Dr. Quesada. MVP is when the mitral valve’s two flaps don’t close smoothly or evenly, but bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium.
What are the symptoms of a floppy mitral valve?
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Fluttering or rapid heartbeat called palpitations.
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise.
- Dizziness.
- Passing out or fainting , known as syncope.
- Panic and anxiety.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Is a mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease?
Although mitral valve prolapse is usually a lifelong disorder, many people with this condition never have symptoms. When diagnosed, people may be surprised to learn that they have a heart condition.
What causes mitral valve thickening?
Causes of Mitral Valve Stenosis Rheumatic fever: Rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat or scarlet fever, is the most common cause of mitral valve stenosis. As a result of rheumatic fever, the mitral valve can thicken, reducing blood flow through the heart.
What causes a leaky mitral valve?
Causes of a leaky mitral valve include: Mitral valve prolapse (an improper closing of the valve) An enlarged heart, called cardiomyopathy , due to hypertension, coronary artery disease, or another cause.
Is mitral valve prolapse (MVP) a serious condition?
MVP rarely becomes a serious condition. However, in the most serious cases it can cause abnormal heartbeats ( arrhythmias) that may eventually become life-threatening. When mitral valve prolapse is severe enough to cause significant valve leakage, called “regurgitation,” it can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke.
Is it safe to fly with mitral valve prolapse or MVP?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can cause chest pain or palpitations and may contribute to panic sensations, especially in someone with a fear of flying. However, other than that there is no reason not to fly.
How serious is mitral valve prolapse?
However, in the most serious cases, mitral valve prolapse can cause abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) that may eventually become life-threatening. When valve prolapse is severe enough to cause significant valve leakage, it can lead to serious complications like stroke.