Patient
Information
Mitral Valve Prolapse*
In most people, mitral valve prolapse, which affects women more
than men, is a benign condition with few or no symptoms. In
most instances, it reflects a normal variant rather than a single
disease process. But in some patients it poses a significant
problem. Potential sequelae include endocarditis, serious
arrhythmia, and sudden death. Although a midsystolic click
followed by a late systolic murmur is characteristic, definitive
diagnosis requires echocardiography. Treatment ranges from
education and reassurance in those who have mild disease to valve
replacement in severe cases. Most athletes who have mitral valve
prolapse can safely participate in all activities. Those with
evidence of significant valvular disease, serious arrhythmia, or a
family history of sudden death due to mitral valve prolapse,
however, should participate only in low-intensity competitive
sports.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects up to 5% of the general
population and up to 17% of young women and girls. Because of
its relatively high prevalence, this disorder is of particular
concern to physicians caring for athletes and other active
patients. In most individuals, MVP is benign and causes few, if
any, symptoms. People with more significant valvular
abnormalities, however, appear to be at greater risk for serious
complications, including bacterial endocarditis, arrhythmia, and
even death. Identifying patients at risk for complications
of MVP, therefore, is paramount before optimal treatment and
exercise recommendations can be implemented.
* Much of this section was taken from: Physician & Sports
Medicine -
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/07_96/joy.htm
Web
Links: Here are some Internet links that might be helpful.
They look pretty good, but I cannot vouch for their
accuracy or quality. As
always with the Internet, browser beware!
Texas Heart Institute:
http://www.tmc.edu/thi/mvp.html
Physician & Sports Medicine -
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/07_96/joy.htm
HeartPoint -
http://www.heartpoint.com/mitralvalveprolapse.html
eMedicine -
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic316.htm
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