Mitral Valve Prolapse
Alternate Names : MVP
What can be done to prevent the condition?
There are no known ways to prevent mitral valve prolapse. Once MVP is diagnosed, a person may be able to reduce symptoms by avoiding things that trigger symptoms, such as:
alcohol
caffeine
dehydration
emotional stress
fatigue
foods containing sugar
illness
menopause
menstruation
missing meals
smoking
stimulants, such as over-the-counter diet medications
unusual physical activity
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Mitral valve prolapse can progress with time to the point that mitral regurgitation occurs or worsens. This rarely means that the valve must be replaced. Other long-term effects of MVP include the following:
endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining
palpitations
rapid or irregular heartbeats
stroke
sudden death
What are the risks to others?
Mitral valve prolapse is not contagious and poses no risk to others. MVP does tend to run in families.
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