Mitral Valve Prolapse or MVP is a valvular heart condition whereby the leaflets of the mitral valve are abnormally thickened and bulge into the left atrium during systole. Simply put, mitral valve prolapse signifies that the valve between the heart’s upper left chamber and the lower left chamber does not shut correctly. In most circumstances, MVP is not a severe or life-threatening condition. In fact, it may not even produce noticeable symptoms. However, if the disease causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium, complications may occur. Keep reading for a list of symptoms associated with mitral valve prolapse.

Palpitations

MPV may cause palpitations or abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat which is physically perceivable in you. This rhythm is not a commonly occurring condition and is often associated with mitral regurgitation. This reverse flow of blood is found going into the left atrium. Enduring from palpitations should alert you to the possibility of a cardiac condition, and thus a doctor’s opinion should be sought immediately.

Dizziness

A typical symptom produced by cardiac malfunction, dizziness can be felt at random by those experiencing mitral valve prolapse. The term usually refers to the experience of your head spinning, feeling lightheaded, or suddenly disoriented. If MVP assumes a complicated character, you may even pass out after spells of dizziness.

Dyspnoea

In layman’s terms, dyspnoea refers to shortness of breath. If you have mitral valve prolapse, you often experience dyspnoea, especially in the aftermath of physical exertion or when lying prostrate. It may take one a little while to realize you have a cardiac condition, especially when dyspnoea is mild and not severely debilitating.

Chest Pain

The chest pain that MVP causes are very atypical and different from that associated with heart attacks or coronary artery disease. It is more of a niggling discomfort than a full-blown ache, though mild shooting pains might occur from time to time. In some cases of shooting pain, you mistake it for a cardiac arrest and may call for emergency medical help. But even otherwise, if chest discomfort is experienced intermittently over a protracted period, a medical investigation is recommended.

Low Blood Pressure

When mitral valve prolapse manifests such that it begins to affect cardiac function, patients may suffer from low blood pressure. The heart’s pumping mechanism is compromised, thus leading to low blood pressure and allied symptoms such as vertigo, weakness, and fatigue. It is advisable that if you are experiencing low BP and exhibiting any other symptoms you check for MVP.

A Migraine

Migraines are a specific type of headache that usually affects only one side of the head with a mild to severe throbbing effect. If you have mitral valve prolapse, you may develop migraines from time to time, even if you previously were not prone to them. A sudden tendency to experience migraines should thus propel you to undertake a medical examination. Migraine medication may help provide relief during an episode.

Fatigue

If you have mitral valve prolapse, you often feel tired and exhausted for no apparent reason. With the heart not performing optimally, the body loses energy in attempting to maintain bodily functions, thus causing fatigue. If you observe that they do not feel fresh and energetic even after a proper nap, it is a sign of chronic fatigue. This symptom could signify several conditions including MVP.

Anxiety

If you have MVP, you may also feel anxiety on an everyday basis. The irregularity of the heartbeat creates a chemical climate in the brain that tends to promote anxiety spells. However, this is a rather non-specific symptom since frequent bouts of anxiety may not always be a consequence of physical ill-health. If you are uncharacteristically anxious all the time, alongside exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above, MVP may be the cause.

Low Body Mass Index

Your MVP may lead to complications like mitral regurgitation. This sign is concerning your body mass index or BMI. There is no clear link between mitral regurgitation and BMI, but various studies have reflected this trend. Therefore, if you observe an unprecedented drop in your BMI, with or without a diagnosis of MVP, you should check for mitral regurgitation.

Other Miscellaneous Symptoms

In most cases, mitral valve prolapse occurs without symptoms. Even when present, they may often be too subtle or non-specific to notice. Moreover, other general symptoms such as a cough, urinary issues, digestive problems, and various organ-specific symptoms may occur. But mostly, the cause, i.e., MVP, goes undetected after proper medication. It is important to remain attentive to any abnormalities associated with cardiac conditions, as you can detect early symptoms during this phase.