$Unique_ID{BRK00766}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Concerned As to the Nature and Treatment of "Floppy Heart Valve"}
$Subject{valve mitral floppy heart valves click murmur Circulatory Prolapse
MVP palpitation skipped beat}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Mitral Valve*0008301.scf
Side View of the Mitral Valve*0008302.scf
Mitral Valve Prolapse*0008303.scf
Location of the Mitral Valve*0008304.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Concerned As to the Nature and Treatment of "Floppy Heart Valve"


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QUESTION:  After a physical examination and a rather complete work up, a
diagnosis described to me as a "floppy heart valve" was made.  Although I have
received many assurances that this is not a dangerous situation, I am still
concerned as to the nature and treatment of this disorder.  Would you please
explain it, and offer me some insight?

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ANSWER:  There are many names for your condition, probably the most commonly
used is "Mitral Valve Prolapse" (or MVP), which might sound even more serious.
But it isn't, for the greater majority of patients with this condition have no
symptoms.  Sometimes called the "Click-Murmur" syndrome because of the sounds
that the physician hears when examining you with a stethoscope, it is rarely
serious or life-threatening.  The mitral valve is located in the heart between
the left left atrium and left ventricle, formed of two leaflets or flaps,
which open and close with each beat of the heart.  The valve assures that the
blood flows in one direction, and when closed prevents the flow of blood back
into the atrium, and sends the blood out of the ventricle through the aortic
valve, into the aorta and the rest of the body.  In some people the valve
flaps do not close smoothly, and allow a small amount of blood to leak
backward.  This creates the murmur and click which helps the doctor make the
diagnosis.  The causes of the condition are rarely determined, as in most
cases the heart is otherwise normal and without disease.  There are some cases
when the condition may cause a palpitation or skipped beat that the patient
feels, and creates a bit of anxiety, but this does not affect the functioning
of the heart.  Since there may be no symptoms or problems, there is no need
for treatment, and your physician tried to reassure you with the knowledge
that your case was benign.  In the few cases that may cause some problems,
there are effective treatments to help.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.