Mitral Valve Prolapse
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How Is It Treated?

It is important for a person with Mitral Valve Prolapse to have the condition monitored regularly by a doctor. Care should be taken to avoid or immediately treat blood infections that could attack the heart's valves.

If mitral valve leakage is mild, no treatment is necessary. Sometimes, diuretics (to make it easier to breath) and afterload reducers (ACE inhibitors) to encourage blood flow across the aortic valve, are prescribed to treat the mitral regurgitation if moderate to severe.

In severe cases, the mitral valve may be surgically corrected by removing the area of prolapse and suturing the remaining leaflet tissue to tighten the valve opening (see animation). Also, a ring may be sutured into position along the periphery of the valve to support the valve leaflets and discourage further prolapse.

In cases with significant leakage and the valve is not reparable, a valve replacement may be performed. (Please see under Mitral Stenosis for this procedure.) After this procedure, anticoagulants (blood-thinners) may be prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming.