Signs and Symptoms
Most people with MVP have no symptoms. For those who do, the symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations (strong or rapid heartbeats)
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Swollen ankles, feet or abdomen
- Quick weight gain
- Migraine headaches
- Chest discomfort
- Intestinal problems
For most people, MVP is harmless and doesn’t require treatment or changes in lifestyle. It doesn’t shorten life expectancy. But some with MVP can develop complications, such as mitral valve regurgitation, when blood leaks back into the atrium. This condition can lead to arrhythmias -- irregular heartbeats -- and may put those who have it at risk for endocarditis, an infection of the valves.
