Mitral valve prolapse
Published April 17, 2024 | 
(1997)
The mitral valve separates the two chambers (atrium and ventricle) of the left side of the heart. It is made up of two fibrous leaflets that come together when the heart contracts so that blood doesn’t flow backward from the ventricle into the atrium. In prolapse of the valve, one or both leaflets bulge upward into the atrium and may result in leakage of the valve.
In addition, the abnormality increases the risk of heart valve infections due to bacteria. Accordingly, prophylactic use of antibiotics may be advised during and after certain dental, surgical and diagnostic procedures. In people with mild prolapse, the risk for infection is low.
In most people with mitral valve prolapse, leakage, when present, is minor and doesn’t impair the function of the heart. However, in cases of severe impairment of the valve’s function, the leakage may be so pronounced that surgical repair or replacement of the valve may be necessary. Fortunately, it is now possible to diagnose and follow the course of mitral valve prolapse with procedures such as echocardiography, which uses ultrasound and does not require invasive studies such as heart catheterization.