Prolapse of the mitral valve does not normally cause symptoms, being noticed only during routine cardiac exams. However, in some cases there may be chest pain, tiredness after exertion, shortness of breath and changes in heart rate, it is recommended to seek help from the cardiologist so that treatment can begin.
In some cases, mitral valve prolapse can interfere with the normal functioning of the heart, which may result in symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnoea and edema, for example.
Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse
The mitral valve prolapse is, in most cases, asymptomatic, however some symptoms may appear, such as:
- Chest pain, which is not caused by coronary artery disease or heart attack; Tiredness after exertion; Shortness of breath; Dizziness and fainting; Rapid heartbeat; Difficulty breathing while lying down; Sensation of numbness in the limbs; Panic and anxiety; Palpitations, making it possible to notice the abnormal heartbeat.
Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, when they appear, may develop slowly, so as soon as any changes are noticed, it is recommended to go to the cardiologist to have tests done and, thus, the diagnosis is concluded and treatment started.
Diagnosis of prolapse
The diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse is made by the cardiologist by analyzing the patient's clinical history, symptoms presented and exams, such as echo and electrocardiogram, heart auscultation, chest radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the heart.
These tests are done with the aim of evaluating the contraction and relaxation movements of the heart, as well as the structure of the heart. In addition, it is through auscultation of the heart that the doctor hears the mesosystolic click and the murmur after the click, which is characteristic of the mitral valve prolapse, concluding the diagnosis.
How the treatment is done
Normally the mitral valve prolapse does not need treatment, as it does not present symptoms, but in the most severe and symptomatic cases, the cardiologist may recommend the use of some medications, such as antiarrhythmic drugs, diuretics, beta-blockers or anticoagulants.
In addition to medication, surgery may be necessary in some cases to repair or replace the mitral valve. Learn more about the treatment for mitral valve prolapse.
