$Unique_ID{BRK00766}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Concerned As to the Nature and Treatment of "Floppy Heart Valve"}
$Subject{valve mitral floppy click murmur}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{
Figure 1*0008301.scf
Figure 2*0008302.scf
Figure 3*0008303.scf
Figure 4*0008304.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Concerned As to the Nature and Treatment of "Floppy Heart Valve"


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QUESTION:  After a physical examination and a rather complete work up, a
diagnosis described to me as a "floppy heart valve" was made.  Although I have
received many assurances that this is not a dangerous situation, I am still
concerned as to the nature and treatment of this disorder.  Would you please
explain it, and offer me some insight?

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ANSWER:  There are many names for your condition, probably the most commonly
used is "Mitral Valve Prolapse" (or MVP) which might sound even more serious.
But it isn't, for the greater majority of patients with this condition have no
symptoms.  Sometimes called the "Click-Murmur" syndrome because of the sounds
that the physician hears when examining you with a stethoscope, it is rarely
serious or life-threatening.  The mitral valve is located in the heart between
the left left atrium and left ventricle, formed of two leaflets or flaps,
which open and close with each beat of the heart.  The valve assures that the
blood flows in one direction, and when closed, prevents the flow of blood back
into the atrium, and sends the blood out of the ventricle, through the aortic
valve into the aorta and the rest of the body.  In some people the valve flaps
do not close smoothly, and allow a small amount of blood to leak backward.
This creates the murmur and click which helps the doctor make the diagnosis.
The causes of the condition are rarely determined as in most cases the heart
is otherwise normal, and without disease.  There are some cases when the
condition may cause a palpitation, or skipped beat, that the patient feels,
and creates a bit of anxiety, but this does not affect the functioning of the
heart.  Since there may be no symptoms or problems, there is no need for
treatment, and your physician tried to reassure you with the knowledge that
your case was benign.  In the few cases that may cause some problems, there
are effective treatments to help.
ÿ
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the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
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