Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse
The symptoms of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can be outlined as follows:
Fatigue and Exhaustion
Individuals diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse often experience dysfunction within the autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate and respiration. This dysfunction can lead to a reduced supply of oxygen to the body’s muscles during physical activity, resulting in feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This symptom is one of the most frequently reported among those affected by the condition.
Chest Pain
Patients with mitral valve prolapse may experience chest pain, which can cause discomfort, yet it does not increase the risk of heart attacks or other serious cardiac issues. MVP is a prevalent cause of mitral regurgitation, a condition characterized by backward blood flow through the mitral valve with each heartbeat. Over time, this can weaken the heart muscle and potentially lead to congestive heart failure.
Palpitations and Headaches
Those with mitral valve prolapse often report sensations of increased heartbeats or arrhythmias. In most cases, these symptoms are not harmful, though they may occasionally indicate underlying issues. Additionally, patients may experience migraines, which are likely linked to the body’s inability to regulate blood vessel pressure in the brain due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema occurs when fluids leak from blood vessels in the lungs, resulting in swelling or congestion of the surrounding lung tissues.
Other Symptoms
There are additional symptoms that patients may experience, although not everyone will encounter all of them. These include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing.
- Anxiety.
Risk Factors for Mitral Valve Prolapse
The majority of mitral valve prolapse cases are attributed to congenital heart defects; however, several factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition:
- A family history of the disease.
- Gender; women are generally at a higher risk.
- Lateral spinal curvature (scoliosis).
- Polycystic kidney disease.
- Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome.