My doctor told me that I have mitral valve prolapse. What is it?

Answer 1

The mitral valve consists of two thin layers of tissue separating two heart chambers named the left atrium and the left ventricle. When the valve closes normally it creates a seal so that blood doesn't flow backward into the left atrium. Those people with mitral valve prolapse have a "fleshy" valve that doesn't seal properly. Sometimes blood can leak into the left atrium when the valve closes. These people need to take antibiotics before dental work and some other procedures. If not done already, your doctor can order an ultrasound test called an echocardiogram to confirm the presence of mitral valve prolapse and determine whether or not the valve leaks.