Mitral Valve Prolapse
Medications
People with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) usually do not need medicines, especially if they do not have mitral valve regurgitation.
Medicines cannot correct bulging (prolapse) of the mitral valve or prevent many of the complications that can develop. However, medicine is sometimes used to control symptoms or prevent infection.
Medication choices
Medicines may help relieve certain symptoms caused by mitral valve prolapse or complications that may develop. People with MVP who have thickened valve flaps or mitral valve regurgitation are at a higher risk for a dangerous infection of the heart lining called endocarditis, which medicines may help prevent.
The following medicines may be offered to treat MVP and its related problems:
- Beta-blockers.Beta-blockers are used to relieve palpitations, chest pain, or anxiety related to MVP or to control heart rate in people with atrial fibrillation.1 However, these medicines may not be effective in all people who have symptoms.
- Anticoagulants.Anticoagulants are used to prevent stroke in those who have atrial fibrillation.
- Antibiotics. If you have an artificial valve, you may need to take antibiotics before you have certain dental or surgical procedures. The antibiotics help prevent an infection in your heart called endocarditis.
What to think about
People with significant mitral valve regurgitation who have symptoms of heart failure may need additional medicines. For more information, see the topic Heart Failure.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 4, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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