Treatment for mitral valve prolapse with mitral valve regurgitation

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) that has progressed to mitral valve regurgitation (MR) may require treatment. The doctor uses a test called echocardiography to determine the severity of MR, and if it is minimal or mild, regular monitoring may be all you need. If the doctor finds that the MR is worsening, he or she may recommend treatment.

Repair of the mitral valve is one option, especially if the MR results from valve thickening or extra flaps (leaflets). However, if you have severe mitral valve damage that cannot be repaired, your doctor will probably recommend valve replacement. Valve repair carries less risk than valve replacement, because you avoid many of the difficulties of surgery, and the repaired original valve will not attract infection and clotting, as a new valve might.

MR is more dangerous than MVP, since it can directly cause heart failure and lead to abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias). For more information, see the topic Mitral Valve Regurgitation.