Symptoms and Complications of Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
Symptoms
In spite of being a lifelong disorder most people never have symptoms. If signs and symptoms arise it is due to leakage of blood through the valve. Symptoms are variable.
- A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
Complications
Middle-aged or older adults may suffer complications due to MVP. Complications include:
- The most common complication is Mitral valve regurgitation. In this condition leakage of blood occurs through the valve.
- Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias): People may get irregular heartbeats. But these are not life-threatening.
- Heart valve infection (endocarditis): The inside of the heart has an inner lining called endocardium. This lining can get infected by bacteria in people with abnormal heart valves.
