What Is Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)?
--1920x1080-(3).png?w=576)
Published on June 26, 2025
ON THIS PAGE
ON THIS PAGE
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a minor heart condition that occurs when the mitral heart valve, which separates your left atrium and left ventricle, doesn’t close as tightly as it should. This can allow blood to leak backward into one of the upper chambers of the heart.
MVP doesn’t typically cause any significant health problems, and many people who have it aren’t aware that they do. In rare cases, MVP can lead to life-threatening complications, such as heart failure and stroke.
.png?sfvrsn=9996b098_3)
Types of Mitral Valve Prolapse
There are two types of MVP: primary and secondary. Primary MVP is an inherited genetic disease, not caused by other health conditions. It involves one or more structural abnormalities with the heart’s mitral valve, including:
- Thickened mitral valve flaps (one or both)
- Scarring on the flaps
- Thinned or elongated tendon cords that support the valve
Secondary MVP is when another health condition changes the shape or function of the mitral valve. Those issues include:
- Coronary artery disease, which can cause heart tissue damage from decreased blood flow
- Damage to the valve structure from a heart attack, rheumatic heart disease, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (when the left ventricle is larger than normal)
- Marfan syndrome and Ehler-Danlos syndrome, which are connective tissue disorders
Signs and Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
Most people with MVP won’t experience any symptoms. But for those who do, the condition can cause:
- Heart palpitations or fluttering
- Chest pain (not related to a heart attack or coronary artery disease)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or when lying flat
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Mood changes
It’s not clear how these symptoms are related to the condition, but it likely has to do with the leakage of blood.
In a healthy heart, the mitral valve prevents blood on the left side of the heart from moving backward, from the ventricle to the atrium. A prolapsing valve, however, can allow blood to leak, which is known as mitral regurgitation. This can increase blood volume and pressure and can cause fluid buildup in the lungs.
Causes and Risk Factors of Mitral Valve Prolapse
The cause of MVP is not always known, and differs according to which type you have. Primary MVP can be caused by a type of valve tissue weakness known as myxomatous degeneration, which can be inherited. Researchers have identified a few genes linked to myxomatous forms of MVP, but this only explains a small portion of MVP cases.
Secondary MVP may be caused by various connective tissue disorders, including:
- Marfan syndrome
- Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
- Loeys–Dietz syndrome
- Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease
- Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
- Aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome
It may also be caused by several other types of conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Scoliosis
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland
- Pectus excavatum, a condition in which the breastbone caves inward
How Is Mitral Valve Prolapse Diagnosed?
MVP is most frequently discovered during a routine physical exam when a healthcare provider hears a clicking sound or murmur with a stethoscope. The click is created when the flaps of the mitral valve snap against each other as they quickly tighten during heart contractions. The murmur is caused by blood leaking into the left atrium.
If your provider hears these signs, they may conduct an echocardiogram to diagnose the condition. This test uses ultrasound to create images of your heart in motion, which help evaluate its size, shape, and function. There are two types your provider may use.
- Transthoracic echocardiography involves passing an ultrasound device over your chest above your heart.
- Transesophageal echocardiography involves placing a small device down your esophagus.
Your provider may conduct another test called cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides detailed images of your heart, including the valves and muscle. It’s not used frequently, but it can help determine if heart valve surgery is needed.
If you have severe symptoms, you may undergo these other tests.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of your heart to detect irregular heart rhythms and heart muscle damage
- Stress test, a kind of ECG done while you walk on a treadmill that can help reveal the extent of MVP symptoms that occur during exercise
- Chest X-rays to determine if your heart has enlarged from regurgitation
Treatment and Medication Options for Mitral Valve Prolapse
Treatment for mitral valve prolapse isn’t always needed, but some people with this condition may use medications and other therapies to manage bothersome symptoms:
- Beta-blockers such as propranolol for chest pain or heart palpitations
- Blood thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin), may be prescribed if you have a history of mini-strokes or strokes, severe blood clots, or atrial fibrillation.
- Antiarrhythmic medications like flecainide and procainamide to improve heart rhythm
- Vasodilators such as isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine to widen your blood vessels, reducing the workload on your heart
- Diuretics, also known as water pills, help reduce blood pressure
- Hydration with fluids and electrolytes for symptoms of dizziness and fainting
Surgery
About 1 in 10 people with mitral valve prolapse will need surgery.
If you develop severe mitral regurgitation, heart failure, or any other significant symptoms, there are two procedures your provider may recommend.
- Mitral Valve Repair Whenever possible, this is the preferred surgical treatment. A surgeon may patch holes in the mitral valve, reconnect or separate the valve flaps, or remove extra tissue.
- Mitral Valve Replacement This procedure involves removing the mitral valve and replacing it with a mechanical one or one made from cow, pig, or human heart tissue.
Surgical patients typically spend a few days in the hospital following the procedure, and healthcare professionals will let you know when you can safely return to work, driving, and exercise. Regular checkups will be required to make sure the repaired or new valve is functioning properly.
Lifestyle Changes for Mitral Valve Prolapse
There’s no way to prevent MVP, but heart-healthy living may help prevent complications. Make it a priority to:
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Limit or abstain from alcohol and caffeine
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress with methods like yoga, meditation, and therapy
There are generally no exercise restrictions placed on people with mild heart valve conditions such as MVP. If you have pronounced symptoms or severe mitral regurgitation, your doctor may choose to place some limits on your exercise intensity.
It’s also important to follow a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, lean animal protein, and fish.
Complications of Mitral Valve Prolapse
MVP usually causes no complications, but some issues can occur in people with a more severe form of the condition.
- Mitral regurgitation (leaky valve), which may be severe
- Infective endocarditis, a serious inflammation and infection of the inner lining of the heart
- Atrial fibrillation
- Stroke
- Sudden death
Research and Statistics: Who Has MVP?
Mitral valve prolapse affects about 1.4 percent of the population, largely people with genetic syndromes like Marfan, Williams–Beuren, and Ehlers–Danlos. It can affect people of all ages, but it’s most prevalent among older adults. Some research suggests it affects more women than men, and that men may have more serious symptoms and complications, but research is not conclusive.
The Takeaway
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common heart condition that rarely causes serious health problems. It develops when a lax valve in the heart doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the heart.
- Many people with MVP aren’t aware they have it, and it’s often symptomless. Signs may include heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes.
- The condition is often diagnosed at a routine physical exam, and you may receive an electrocardiogram, a stress test, or X-rays if symptoms are severe.
- Treatment isn’t always required, but it may include medications such as beta-blockers, blood thinners, or diuretics.
Common Questions & Answers
Can Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) go away on its own?
No, MVP is a lifelong disease. But most people who have it won’t experience symptoms, and those who do can be successfully treated with a variety of different medications.
Is MVP dangerous?
Not often. Most people who have this condition live their lives without being aware they have it. Those who have more severe cases may need monitoring and treatment to avoid complications such as mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
Will I need surgery for MVP?
Most people with this condition don’t need surgery. Heart valve surgery only takes place if the complications from the condition are severe.
Can MVP cause anxiety or panic attacks?
Yes, palpitations and irregular heartbeats can trigger actual panic symptoms. When your body is revved up, it can make your mind anxious, too.
Should I avoid exercise with MVP?
No. Most people with MVP should put zero restrictions on their physical activity, and will benefit from frequent exercise. People with severe symptoms should discuss their physical activity options with their healthcare provider.
Resources We Trust
- Cleveland Clinic: Congenital Heart Disease
- Mayo Clinic: Mitral Valve Regurgitation
- American Heart Association: Options for Heart Valve Repair
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: 3 Kinds of Exercise That Boost Heart Health
- Harvard Health Publishing: Heart-Healthy Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
- Problem: Mitral Valve Prolapse. American Heart Association. May 23, 2024.
- Shah SN et al. Mitral Valve Prolapse. StatPearls. January 16, 2023.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse. Cedars-Sinai.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Metkus, TS. Mitral Valve Prolapse. MedlinePlus. February 27, 2024.
- Problem: Mitral Valve Regurgitation. American Heart Association.
- Chakrabarti AK et al. Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse and Mitral Annular Disjunction: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, Risk Stratification, and Management. Cardiovascular Development and Disease. February 16, 2022.
- Delwarde C et al. Genetics and Pathophysiology of Mitral Valve Prolapse. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. February 16, 2023.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse. Cleveland Clinic. October 1, 2024.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse Diagnosis. Mayo Clinic. May 27, 2024.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse. UCSF General Surgery.
- Mitral Valve Repair and Mitral Valve Replacement. Mayo Clinic.
- 6 Lifestyle Modifications for Your Heart Valve Health. MedPark Hospital. January 8, 2023.
- Chatrath N, Papadakis M. Physical activity and exercise recommendations for patients with valvular heart disease. Heart (British Cardiac Society). November 24, 2022.
- Heart-Healthy Diets: Eating Plans Your Heart Will Love. Cleveland Clinic. February 7, 2025.
- Melamed T et al. Prevalence, Progression, and Clinical Outcomes of Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis . European Heart Journal — Quality of Care & Clinical Outcomes. March 28, 2025.
- DesJardin JT et al. Sex Differences and Similarities in Valvular Heart Disease. Circulation Research. February 18, 2023.
Meet Our Experts
Chung Yoon, MD
Medical Reviewer
Chung Yoon, MD, is a noninvasive cardiologist with a passion for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment of a wide range of heart and cardiovascular disorders. He enjoys clinical decision-making and providing patient care in both hospital and outpatient settings. He excels at analytical and decision-making skills and building connection and trust with patients and their families.
Joseph Bennington-Castro
Author
Joseph Bennington-Castro is a science writer based in Hawaii. He has written well over a thousand articles for the general public on a wide range topics, including health, astronomy, archaeology, renewable energy, biomaterials, conservation, history, animal behavior, artificial intelligence, and many others.
In addition to writing for Everyday Health, Bennington-Castro has also written for publications such as Scientific American, National Geographic online, USA Today, Materials Research Society, Wired UK, Men's Journal, Live Science, Space.com, NBC News Mach, NOAA Fisheries, io9.com, and Discover.