Heart Disease Health Center

Most people with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have no symptoms and do not need treatment for their condition. Your doctor will advise you to exercise regularly, especially if you do not have symptoms. Controlling your weight and blood pressure as well as eating a healthy diet are important.

A healthy lifestyle is also important if you have complications of mitral valve prolapse. People who have heart palpitations can try lifestyle changes to help, such as limiting alcohol and caffeine, not smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke.

Take care of your teeth to help prevent an infection in the heart called endocarditis. If you do not take care of your teeth, bacteria in your mouth might move into your bloodstream to your heart. These bacteria can cause an infection around your mitral valve. Brush and floss regularly, and visit the dentist twice a year. If you wear dentures, check your gums often for sores or signs of irritation. Before you have dental or medical procedures, tell your doctor or dentist that you have mitral valve prolapse. If you do not have other heart problems or an artificial heart valve, you will not need to take antibiotics before dental or medical procedures.