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Cardiolucent

Condition

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

Common valve variant, monitored carefully when associated regurgitation develops.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one form of valvular heart disease in which one or both leaflets of the mitral valve bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium when the heart contracts. It is one of the most common valvular abnormalities and is often discovered incidentally on echocardiography. Many people with MVP have a normal life expectancy and never require intervention, but a subset develops meaningful mitral regurgitation — leakage of blood back into the atrium — that needs close follow-up and, in some cases, valve repair. Some patients also experience palpitations or arrhythmias linked to the valve's mechanics. Dr. Kedan distinguishes the benign forms from those that require active management.

What Cardiolucent Evaluates

  • Detailed history including palpitations, chest discomfort, lightheadedness, and family history
  • Cardiac auscultation for click or murmur, with POCUS at every visit
  • Transthoracic echocardiography with attention to leaflet morphology and regurgitation severity
  • Left ventricular size and function over time
  • Ambulatory monitoring when arrhythmia symptoms are present
  • Coordination with mitral valve specialists at Cedars-Sinai when intervention is being considered
  • Endocarditis prevention counseling when appropriate

Common Symptoms

  • Often no symptoms; many cases found incidentally on echo
  • Palpitations or awareness of an irregular heartbeat
  • Atypical chest discomfort, often non-exertional
  • Lightheadedness or fatigue in some patients
  • Shortness of breath if significant mitral regurgitation develops
  • Heart murmur or mid-systolic click on auscultation

Risk Factors

  • Female sex (more often diagnosed in women)
  • Family history of MVP or connective tissue disease
  • Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other connective tissue disorders
  • Tall, lean body habitus
  • Prior rheumatic disease in some cases

How Cardiolucent Approaches Treatment

Most patients with isolated MVP and trivial or mild regurgitation simply need periodic echocardiographic surveillance and reassurance. Beta-blockers can help when palpitations are bothersome. As regurgitation progresses, more frequent imaging and timely referral for valve repair — usually preferred to replacement when feasible — become the priority. Dr. Kedan tracks the valve, the chamber sizes, and your symptoms over years and coordinates referral to mitral repair specialists at Cedars-Sinai when intervention is appropriate.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which one or both mitral valve leaflets billow back into the left atrium when the heart contracts. It is one of the most common valve variants and is usually first identified on echocardiography.
How is MVP related to valvular heart disease?
MVP is one specific form of valvular heart disease. It involves the mitral valve specifically and can range from a structurally normal-functioning variant to a cause of significant mitral regurgitation requiring intervention.
Is MVP dangerous?
For most people with MVP, the condition is benign and does not shorten life. The risks rise when meaningful mitral regurgitation develops, when the left ventricle starts to enlarge, or when associated arrhythmias appear. Dr. Kedan stratifies risk individually rather than treating MVP as a single diagnosis.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Palpitations, atypical chest discomfort, and lightheadedness are the most common symptoms attributed to MVP. New shortness of breath, worsening exercise tolerance, or fainting episodes warrant prompt reevaluation, as they can signal progression.
How is MVP diagnosed?
Echocardiography is the definitive test, showing the leaflet motion, the degree of regurgitation, and the impact on the left atrium and ventricle. Many cases are first suspected on physical exam by the characteristic click or late-systolic murmur.
How often do I need follow-up?
Patients with MVP and no or trivial regurgitation typically need echo every few years. Those with moderate or worsening regurgitation are followed more closely, often yearly or more often, with POCUS at office visits between formal studies.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients never need valve surgery. Surgical or transcatheter repair is reserved for severe symptomatic regurgitation or specific imaging criteria. When repair is indicated, the modern approach favors valve repair over replacement whenever the anatomy allows.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer recommended for most MVP patients under modern guidelines. There are specific high-risk situations where it remains appropriate, and Dr. Kedan reviews your individual case against current recommendations.
Can I exercise normally with MVP?
The vast majority of patients with MVP can exercise normally, including vigorous activity. Specific situations — significant regurgitation, certain arrhythmias, or markedly enlarged chambers — call for more individualized guidance, which is part of routine follow-up.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call (310) 304-5555 or use the contact form to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kedan at the Beverly Hills office. Cardiolucent does not bill Medicare or insurance; a detailed superbill is provided for any out-of-network reimbursement.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.