Being diagnosed with a heart condition can be alarming, but mitral valve prolapse is one that usually isn't serious. Only about 2 percent of people with the condition -- in which the heart's mitral valve doesn't close properly -- develop complications, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you have mitral valve prolapse, your doctor probably will clear you for a wide variety of exercises --- though in some cases, restrictions might be advised.
Definition
The mitral valve allows one-way blood flow from one chamber of your heart to another---from the left atrium to the left ventricle. If you have mitral valve prolapse, one of the valve flaps moves backward when your heart beats and the valve might not close properly. That may let some blood flow back into the atrium.
Symptoms
Diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse might come as a surprise, the Mayo Clinic advises, because you might not have any symptoms at all. However, an early symptom of MVP might be discomfort or shortness of breath during exercise. Other possible symptoms include a feeling that your heart is racing or beating irregularly, chest pain that comes and goes, dizziness and feelings of anxiety or panic, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It is usually discovered during a routine examination, when a doctor detects a heart murmur.
Outlook
According to the National Institutes of Health, most people with mitral valve prolapse aren't bothered by symptoms and can lead normal, active lives. Some may have to limit their participation in competitive sports, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. But the American Heart Association advises that almost all patients with MVP are able to participate in sports with no restrictions. (ref. 3)
Treatment
If you're like most people with mitral valve prolapse, you won't need any treatment, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Treatment would be recommended if you are bothered by symptoms, such as serious chest pain or heart palpitations. Drinking more water and cutting out caffeine may help, the American Heart Association says. Your doctor might prescribe medication, such as a beta blocker, vasodilator, diuretic or blood-thinner, to treat MVP, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Precautions
While exercise shouldn't be a problem, you might have to take action to reduce risks if your mitral valve prolapse worsens or is more severe. The American Academy of Family Physicians advises that you may require antibiotics before having surgery or dental procedures---including teeth cleaning---to protect against infection in the valve. Rarely, patients need surgery to repair the valve and relieve their symptoms.
