Mitral valve prolapse is a problem affecting the heart in which the valve separating the upper and lower chambers of the left side of the heart does not close properly. Physical examination by the doctor can detect this disease. It is found to affect 3 percent of people. An echocardiogram is among the common tests used to detect the disease. Other tests include an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, cardiac catheterization and ECG.

No clear-cut symptoms appear in many patients suffering from mitral valve prolapse. Some associated symptoms are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations

Medication alone cannot be a comprehensive treatment of mitral valve prolapse. Medicines can provide relief from associated symptoms. Blood thinners and high blood pressure medications are beneficial in the treatment of a mitral valve prolapse.

Treatment involving nonsurgical procedure is helpful among treatments of mitral valve prolapse. MitraClip is an FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment option helpful for mitral valve prolapse. It reduces symptoms and improves quality of life.

Heart surgery is an effective treatment for mitral valve prolapse. Heart surgery is a means for the repair or replacement of the mitral valve if its functions are impaired. Repair is usually preferred to replacement. If symptoms worsen, surgery may be needed. Open-heart surgery is a procedure helpful for mitral valve prolapse patients. It is used to repair or for the replacement of the mitral valve. Patients who do not qualify for MitraClip may qualify for this heart surgery. Surgeons perform replacement or repair of the mitral valve through a small incision using open-heart surgery. This heart surgery may be done through the following methods:

• Repair: Cardiac surgeons repair the valve by removing excess valve tissue, suturing together the valve leaflets, or by placing a ring around the valve so that it can close properly.
• Replacement: Replacement is one of the ways adopted in performing surgery. Replacement performing a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve is done when repair is a not a good option as compared to replacement.