The mitral valve is one of the four valves in the heart. This valve allows blood-carrying oxygen to enter the part of the heart that pumps blood to the body. Mitral valve prolapse is a common condition where part of the mitral valve bulges backwards when blood is being pumped to the body.

Mitral valve prolapse occurs in about 5 percent of the population and is more common in women than in men. Its cause is not known. In this condition, the cords and muscles that hold the valve in place are longer than normal. This allows the valve to bulge. When the valve bulges, some blood may leak backwards into the heart instead of forward into the body. As this leak happens it creates a sound that doctors call a heart murmur. Sometimes the mitral valve will also make a snapping or clicking sound as it closes. This clicking sound, when heard at the right time in the heart's cycle, is an important diagnostic clue that a person has mitral valve prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse is often diagnosed by listening to the heart beat. It can also be diagnosed with ultrasound or other specialized equipment.

Patients who have a heart murmur with mitral prolapse will often take antibiotics before having dental treatments or undergoing surgery. This is to prevent bacteria from infecting the mitral valve. Some persons with mitral prolapse may have severe heart rhythm problems that require medication. Occasionally, the leakage is severe enough to cause more significant heart problems and other medications or surgery will be necessary.

Many people who have mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms. Others have irregular heartbeat or chest pain that may be caused by mitral valve prolapse. Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not need any treatment for their symptoms and will live normal lives.

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