Mitral Valve Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Mitral Valve Prolapse?
A cardiologist, a heart doctor, treats mitral valve prolapse. Most people need no treatment. A heart surgeon may repair or replace the valve if it leaks badly. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse is a heart problem involving the mitral valve. This valve separates the upper and lower chambers of the left side of the heart. In this condition, the valve does not close normally.
The mitral valve helps blood on the left side of the heart flow in one direction. In prolapse, one or both flaps of the valve bulge back into the upper heart chamber. It is also called Barlow syndrome or floppy mitral valve.
In most cases, it is harmless. Most people with the condition are not aware of it. In a small number of cases, the prolapse lets blood leak backward. This is called mitral regurgitation.
Symptoms
Many people with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms. Some have a group of symptoms called mitral valve prolapse syndrome. These can include:
- Chest pain that is not caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue, or feeling very tired.
- Panic attacks.
- Palpitations, the feeling of your heart beating.
- Shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat.
The exact link between these symptoms and the valve problem is not clear.
Causes and who gets it
Mitral valve prolapse can be caused by many different things. It often affects thin women. These women may also have minor chest wall deformities or scoliosis, a sideways curve of the spine.
Some forms of mitral valve prolapse seem to be passed down through families. It is also seen with some connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, and other rare genetic disorders. Sometimes it is seen on its own in people who are otherwise normal.
How doctors diagnose it
The doctor will do a physical exam and listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. The doctor may hear a heart murmur, an extra whooshing sound, and a midsystolic click, an extra sound in the middle of a heartbeat.
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, is the most common test used to diagnose mitral valve prolapse. Other tests include a chest x-ray, a heart CT scan, an MRI scan of the heart, and an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG may show arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.
Treatment
Most of the time, there are few or no symptoms and treatment is not needed. Many heart medicines may be used to treat parts of this condition, but most people will not need any treatment.
In the past, most people with heart valve problems were given antibiotics before dental work or procedures such as colonoscopy. Antibiotics are now used much less often. Check with your doctor to see if you need them.
You may need surgery to repair or replace your mitral valve if it becomes very leaky and the leak also causes symptoms. Repair or replacement may be needed if your symptoms get worse, the left ventricle of your heart is enlarged, or your heart function gets worse. Heart valve repair can improve symptoms, but sometimes problems return. Complications of repair can include valve damage or leakage, blood vessel injury, and stroke.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if palpitations get worse. Some abnormal heartbeats in people with mitral valve prolapse can be life threatening.
Call 911 if chest pain or discomfort lasts two minutes or more, if you have serious trouble breathing, if you faint, or if someone is hard to wake up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do a first evaluation, refer you to a cardiologist, and track your symptoms over time with regular visits.
Common questions
Is mitral valve prolapse dangerous?
Most of the time, no. Mitral valve prolapse is usually harmless and does not cause symptoms. Some abnormal heartbeats with it can be life threatening. If the valve leaks badly, the outlook may be similar to that of people with mitral regurgitation from any other cause.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
It depends. In the past, most people with heart valve problems were given antibiotics before dental work. Antibiotics are now used much less often. Check with your doctor to see if you need them.
Can mitral valve prolapse cause chest pain?
Yes, in some people. Chest pain that is not caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack is part of mitral valve prolapse syndrome. Call 911 if chest pain or discomfort lasts two minutes or more, if you have serious trouble breathing, if you faint, or if someone is hard to wake up.
Will I need surgery for mitral valve prolapse?
Most people do not. Surgery may be needed if the valve becomes very leaky and the leak causes symptoms.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Mitral valve prolapse: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Heart Valve Diseases: Types
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Heart Valve Diseases: Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
