Usually, MVP is not so severe to cause seriously concerning symptoms. However, with time, MVP can progress and lead to a mitral valve that fails to close normally during ventricular contraction. This causes mitral regurgitation (as in blood regurgitating back into the left atrium from the left ventricle), which if severe enough can cause over a period of years or decades progressive left atrial dilation and heart failure (thus, the reason for periodic follow up physician visits among individuals with MVP).

In addition, MVP can increase an individual’s risk for bacterial infections of the heart valve whenever bacteria are exposed to the bloodstream (as occurs during most medical or dental procedures). This is the reason why antibiotics might be prescribed for individuals with MVP whenever they undergo a medical or dental procedure.

MVP occurs in 5-10 percent of all people, more frequently affecting females between teenage and middle age years, and is strongly influenced by genetics. The exact causes are poorly understood. MVP may associate with other conditions, including palpitations and abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, panic attacks and migraines. The conditions suggest that individuals with MVP may have some imbalance in their autonomic nervous system.

Finally, MVP occurs in individuals with connective tissue disorders such as Marfan’s Syndrome. Fortunately, given that many researchers are studying MVP, it is hopeful that improved understandings of this disorder will be known in the future.