I'm a 51-year-old male and I've just been diagnosed with Mitral valve prolapse. My doctor mentioned that it's not something dangerous and there's nothing to worry about for now. But, I'm curious about what can cause this condition so I can take precautions. What should I know to prevent any potential issues down the line?

Dr Dr Khaleel Ur Rahim

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 1+ Yrs

Consult Now

MVP is often a condition people are born with, caused by abnormalities in the tissue that makes up the valve and its supporting structures. While the exact cause isn't always clear, several factors can contribute to its development: genetics (it can run in families), connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, and age-related changes to the heart. As for precautions, while you can't prevent MVP itself, you can help maintain good heart health by: managing blood pressure, eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise (as approved by your doctor), maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and keeping up with regular medical check-ups. Your doctor is right that many people with MVP never develop serious problems, but it's still good to monitor it. The most important thing is to attend your follow-up appointments and alert your doctor if you notice any new symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or irregular heartbeats.

Answered 15 days ago