Mitral Valve Prolapse (cont.)
How is mitral valve prolapse diagnosed and
evaluated?
Examination of the patient reveals characteristic findings unique to mitral
valve prolapse.
Using a stethoscope, a clicking sound is heard soon after the ventricle begins
to contract. This clicking is felt to reflect tightening of the abnormal valve
leaflets against the pressure load of the left ventricle. If there is associated
leakage (regurgitation) of blood through the abnormal valve opening, a
"whooshing" sound (murmur) can be heard immediately following the clicking
sound.
Echocardiography (ultrasound imaging of the heart) is the most useful test
for mitral valve prolapse. Echocardiography can measure the severity of prolapse and the degree of
mitral regurgitation. It can also detect areas of infection on the abnormal
valves. Valve infection is called endocarditis and is a very rare, but
potentially serious complication of mitral valve prolapse. Echocardiography can also evaluate the
effect of prolapse and regurgitation on the functioning of the muscles of the
ventricles.
Abnormally rapid or irregular heart rhythms can occur in patients with mitral
valve prolapse,
causing palpitations. A 24-hour Holter monitor is a continuous cassette
recording of the patient's heart rhythm as the patient carries on his/her daily
activities. Abnormal rhythms occurring during the test period are captured on
tape and analyzed at a later date. If abnormal rhythms do not occur every day,
the Holter recording may fail to capture the abnormal rhythms. These patients
then can be fitted with a small "event-recorder" to be worn for up to several
weeks. When the patient senses a palpitation, an event button can be pressed to
record the heart rhythm prior to, during, and after the palpitations.
Next: What is the treatment for mitral valve prolapse? »
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