Let's learn about Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Do you sometimes feel like your chest is pounding, you have trouble breathing even when walking a short distance, or you just feel tired all day? Although many people think that these are normal things, sometimes there may be a small problem in the heart behind this. Mitral Valve Prolapse is a condition that is seen among many people, but is often not dangerous. Let's talk about this simply today.

Simply put, what is Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)?

Think of your heart as a house with four rooms. There are doors between these rooms that allow blood to flow back and forth. These doors are what we call "valves" in medicine. They are like doors that only open one way.

The Mitral Valve is the door between the upper chamber (left atrium) and the lower chamber (left ventricle) on the left side of your heart. This valve opens and closes every time your heart beats, controlling the flow of oxygen-rich blood in the right direction.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the two leaflets of this valve do not close properly and instead bend backward, toward the left atrium. It's like a door that doesn't close properly and bends slightly backward. This can sometimes prevent the valve from closing completely.

But don't worry. This is a very common condition, affecting between 2% and 3% of the world's population. Many people don't even know they have it because they don't have any symptoms. That's because the valve is slightly bent, but it still works well.

What symptoms might someone with MVP experience?

Although most people do not have symptoms, some people may experience these things. These symptoms do not occur in the same way for everyone.

Why does something like this happen?

The main cause of MVP is the weakening of the valve tissue. In medical terms, this is called ``myxomatous degeneration''. Simply put, the valve tissue becomes weak and stretchy, like an old rubber band. The exact cause is not always found.

• Heredity: Sometimes if it runs in the family, it can also affect children. This means there is a genetic influence.
• Other medical conditions: People with certain connective tissue disorders are at increased risk of developing MVP. For example, conditions like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• Other risk factors: People with conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, scoliosis, and Graves' disease are also at slightly higher risk.

Can this cause other complications?

Although most people do not experience any complications, some people, especially those with a more serious condition, may experience some problems.

The main complication is a condition called Mitral Regurgitation . This is when the valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak in the wrong direction, from the left ventricle back into the left atrium. If this leak increases, the heart has to work harder.

If Mitral Regurgitation becomes severe, the following complications may occur:

• Heart failure
• Infection of the valve (`Infective endocarditis`)
• Irregular heartbeat, for example `(Atrial fibrillation)`
• Stroke
• Rarely, serious heart rhythm irregularities (`Ventricular arrhythmias`) can lead to sudden cardiac death.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will ask you about your symptoms and whether anyone in your family has heart disease. Then he will listen to your chest with a stethoscope.

When listening to the heart of someone with MVP, a doctor may hear a distinctive sound. It's a 'click' sound, followed by a 'whoosh' sound (a murmur) . This is why some people call this condition 'click-murmur syndrome'.

If you hear this sound, your doctor will recommend several more tests to confirm the condition and determine its severity.

What are the treatments for this?

The good news is that most people with MVP don't need any treatment . Your doctor will tell you to come in for regular check-ups. At those visits, they will do an echocardiogram to see if the condition of the valve has changed.

• Medication for symptoms: If you have symptoms like dizziness and chest pain, your doctor may prescribe medication such as beta-blockers to control them.
• Medications to prevent blood clots: If you have a condition like atrial fibrillation or have had a previous stroke, you will be given medications called anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
• Surgery: If the regurgitation is severe and affecting the heart, surgery may be necessary.
• Mitral valve repair: Whenever possible, doctors will try to repair your own valve. This is the best option.
• Mitral valve replacement: If the valve is too damaged to be repaired, the option is to replace it with a new valve (mechanical or biological).

With today's advanced technology, these surgeries can be performed through a small incision (minimally invasive surgery) without completely opening the chest.

How do I know if I will need surgery too?

Not everyone with MVP needs surgery. About one in 10 people will need surgery. You may need surgery if:

• If your symptoms worsen over time .
• If the valve is leaking blood (regurgitation) at a severe level .
• If scans show that the heart is enlarged (`left ventricular and/or left atrial dilation`).
• If you have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• If the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body (ejection fraction is reduced).

When should I seek urgent medical advice?

Be sure to go for regular check-ups as advised by your doctor. However, if the following symptoms suddenly appear, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .

• Sudden, severe chest pain.
• Loss of consciousness, extreme dizziness, or extreme weakness.
• Sudden, severe difficulty breathing.
• If you are taking medication that prevents blood clotting and have an accident such as a fall , see a doctor immediately, even if there is no visible injury on the outside, as there is a risk of internal bleeding.