CIRCULATORY DISORDERS(Mitral Valve Prolapse)

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral Valve Prolapse is also commonly known as Floppy Valve Syndrome or Barlow's Syndrome or Click-Murmur Syndrome.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common, usually benign heart disorder. The mitral valve controls blood flow between the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers on the left side of the heart. Normally, blood should only flow in one direction, from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. In MVP, the valve flaps don’t work properly; part of the valve balloons into the atrium, allowing blood to leak the wrong direction, back into the atrium.

CAUSES

In most cases, the cause of MVP is unknown. In some cases, it appears to be an inherited genetic condition. Rarely, MVP may be caused by:

* Rheumatic Fever

* Coronary Heart Disease

* Cardiomyopathy

* Atrial Septal Defects

RISK FACTORS

* Family history of Mitral Valve Prolapse

* Sex: Female

* Age: 14–30

* Scoliosis

* Thin chest diameter

* Low body weight

* Low blood pressure

* Chest wall deformities

* Marfan Syndrome

* Grave’s Disease

SYMPTOMS

* Irregular heart beat

* Fatigue

* Chest pain

* Panic attacks or anxiety

* Rapid heart beat (palpitations)

* Sensation of missed heart beats

* Shortness of breath

* Dizziness

* Intestinal problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome )

DIAGNOSIS

Mitral Valve Prolapse can be heard through a stethoscope. A small blood leakage will sound like a murmur. When the mitral valve balloons backward, it may produce a clicking sound. Both murmurs and clicks are telltale signs of MVP. An echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis. One may also be asked to wear a Holter monitor for a day or two, to continuously record the electrical activity of the heart (EKG).

TREATMENT

In most cases, no treatment is necessary.If one develops symptoms, the doctor might prescribe certain medications to treat MVP-related chest pain, heart rhythm abnormalities or other complications. Some medications that might be prescribed include:

* BETA BLOCKERS - These drugs help prevent irregular heartbeats. They work by blocking the effects of the hormone Epinephrine, also known as Adrenaline. As a result, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers also help blood vessels relax and open up to improve blood flow.

* ASPIRIN - If one has mitral valve prolapse and have a history of strokes, the doctor might prescribe aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots.

* ANTICOAGULANTS(blood thinners)- These medications — Warfarin (Coumadin) is commonly used — prevent the blood from clotting. If one has atrial fibrillation, a history of heart failure or a history of strokes, the doctor may suggest these drugs. They must be taken exactly as prescribed.

If the doctor suggests surgery, there are two main options, Repair or Replacement of the mitral valve.

PREVENTION

There are no guidelines for preventing MVP of unknown or genetic origin.

One may be able to prevent symptoms, however, through certain lifestyle changes:

* Limit intake of Caffeine

* Avoid medications (such as Decongestants) that speed up the heart rate

* Exercise regularly.