What Is Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which one or both leaflets of the mitral valve bulge back into the left atrium during the heart's contraction. It is one of the most common valve abnormalities, occurring in 2–3% of the general population.
MVP is often detected incidentally — during a routine check-up or because of a heart murmur. In the vast majority of children, it causes no symptoms and requires no treatment whatsoever.
"Prolapse itself is not the diagnosis that concerns me. What I watch closely is the regurgitation. When it starts to increase — that's the signal to act. And always the first choice is repair, not replacement."
When Does MVP Become a Problem?
The degree of regurgitation — blood leaking backwards through the valve — determines the clinical significance of prolapse. There are four grades:
- Grade I–II (mild): minimal leakage, no symptoms, observation only
- Grade III (moderate): regular monitoring, possible medication
- Grade IV (severe): the left ventricle is under strain — surgical correction is indicated
Symptoms — What to Watch For
In most children with MVP there are no symptoms at all. In rarer cases, the following may be present:
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Mild chest discomfort, especially during physical activity
- Fatigue disproportionate to the level of exertion
- Dizziness (associated with autonomic dysfunction, which is common in MVP)
Symptoms are most often unrelated to the degree of regurgitation. Even children with significant leakage may feel completely well for years.
Treatment Approach
Treatment is determined exclusively by the severity of regurgitation and the condition of the left ventricle — not by the prolapse itself:
- Observation: for grades I–II — echocardiography once or twice per year
- Medication: to reduce the load on the heart, in selected cases
- Mitral valve repair: the preferred surgical approach when intervention is needed — preserving the native valve
- Valve replacement: a last resort, applied only when repair is anatomically impossible
Important timing: The optimal window for surgical correction is while the left ventricle is still compensating but already showing signs of strain. Waiting too long risks irreversible changes to ventricular function. Regular echocardiographic follow-up is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child was told they have MVP. Should I be worried?
In most cases — no. Mild prolapse without significant regurgitation is essentially a variant of normal anatomy. The key is regular echocardiography to monitor the trend over time.
Can a child with MVP play sport?
With mild-to-moderate prolapse and no significant regurgitation — yes. Competitive sport is restricted only in cases of severe regurgitation or associated arrhythmias. Each case is assessed individually.
Why is repair preferred over replacement?
A repaired native valve grows with the child, requires no lifelong anticoagulation, and has better long-term outcomes. Prosthetic valves in children always carry significant limitations.
How do I book a consultation?
Call +994 70 660 96 50 or write on WhatsApp. The clinic is located at Yeni Klinika, Azadlig str. 112.