Mitral Valve Prolapse
When to Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have:
- Symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), such as sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in or an inability to move part or all of one side of the body; vision changes that come on suddenly; or sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
Call a doctor immediately if you have mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and you have:
- Symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath at rest, with mild exertion, while lying down, or that wakes you from sleep, and leg swelling.
- Symptoms of infection, such as a fever with no other obvious cause. Be alert for signs of infection if you have mitral valve regurgitation and you recently had any dental, diagnostic, or surgical procedure.
- Irregular heartbeats and have started having fainting episodes (syncope) or you notice an increase in fainting episodes.
Call your doctor for an appointment if you have noticed an increase in symptoms such as:
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
- A decreased ability to exercise at your usual level.
- Excessive fatigue (without another explanation).
Watchful waiting
Episodes of chest pain or palpitations may come and go and may not be associated with other serious heart disease. However, contact your health professional if:
- Symptoms get worse.
- Symptoms persist longer than usual.
- Palpitations occur with fainting, light-headedness, or shortness of breath.
Who to see
Your family doctor or general practitioner can check symptoms that may be related to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and can order any tests you may need. You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
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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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