Mitral valve prolapse is a disorder in which, during the
contraction phase of the heart, the mitral valve does not close
properly. When the valve does not close properly it allows blood to
backflow into the left atrium. Some symptoms can include
palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing after exertion,
fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath while lying down.
Review Date: 05/04/2010
Reviewed By: Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Feinberg School
of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided
by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
