Mitral Valve Prolapse

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)

is a weak or bulging mitral valve in your heart. Your mitral valve has 2 flaps that open and close. It allows blood to flow through your heart in one direction. MVP is a common heart condition that often has no signs or symptoms.

If MVP gets worse, you may have any of the following:

• A fast or pounding heartbeat, or heart flutters
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
• Fatigue or anxiety
• Feeling out of breath
• Chest pain

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have shortness of breath or chest pain.
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss

Seek care immediately if:

• You faint.
• You have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.

Call your doctor if:

• Your heart beats faster than normal for you, or skips beats.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for MVP

may not be needed if you do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, you may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to help your heart beat more strongly or regularly. You may need blood thinning medicines to lower your risk of blood clots. You may instead be given medicines to make your blood vessels dilate (open).
• Surgery may be needed if you have severe MVP that causes blood to flow back into your atrium. Your mitral valve may need to be repaired or replaced during surgery.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• atenolol
• Bystolic
• metoprolol
• propranolol
• bisoprolol

View more treatment options

Manage MVP:

• Eat heart-healthy foods. Heart-healthy foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, chicken (without skin), lean meats, and fish. Eat two 4-ounce servings of fish high in omega-3 fats each week. Examples are salmon, fresh tuna, and herring. Ask for more information on a heart-healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight makes your heart work harder. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
• Stay active. Ask your healthcare provider which activities are best for you.
• Do not use caffeine. Caffeine can make your MVP symptoms worse.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause damage to your heart. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist as directed:

You may need more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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