Mitral Regurgitation











Mitral
Valve Prolapse
Mitral Area Murmur

[Apex]
Systolic
 









The mitral valve is a two
leaflet valve separating the left atrium and left ventricle. In
the majority of
individuals the two leaflets are of relatively equal length. On closure the leaflets fit together tightly and do not allow significant regurgitation or abnormal movement. The coming together of the leaflets is called coaptation.
Individuals with prolapse have increased connective tissue and/or
mucopolysaccharide deposition in one or both leaflets resulting in
abnormal coaptation and/or “bowing” of the leaflets
during ventricular systole. This may result in a host of extra systolic
sounds including systolic clicks, mitral regurgitation of various
grades or a combination of the above.


Affects 2% to 6% of the population.


In
some cases, patients may be associated with other valvular
malformations, autonomic nervous system abnormalities, chest pain,
a tendency
towards atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, and migraine headaches. This constellation
of symptoms has been coined as “the mitral valve prolapse
syndrome”.


Many patients with this syndrome
may find some relief of symptoms with the use of beta blockers.