Ongoing Concerns
Monitoring your condition and seeing your doctor
Many people with
mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are not aware that they
have it until they have a routine physical or other checkup. Symptoms are rare.
There is a slight chance of complications; if your doctor thinks you are at
risk for complications, he or she will do more frequent exams. Tests, such as
echocardiograms, are rarely needed.
Complications
Complications of MVP
are rare. They are more likely in those who have serious structural problems
with their valves. This generally occurs in people who have some form of
connective tissue abnormality or in older people (mainly men). The most common
complication of mitral valve prolapse is
mitral valve regurgitation.
Symptoms that
may appear with MVP may also be symptoms of other conditions or complications
of MVP. Because of this, it is important to be aware of and rule out other
conditions with similar symptoms.