Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP): Tests
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the heart‘s mitral valve doesn’t work well. The flaps of the valve are “floppy” and don’t close tightly. These flaps normally help seal or open the valve.
Part of: Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) most often is detected during a routine physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Stretched valve flaps can make a clicking sound as they shut. If the mitral valve is leaking blood back into the left atrium, your doctor may heart a heart murmur or whooshing sound.
However, these abnormal heart sounds may come and go. Your doctor may not hear them at the time of an exam, even if you have MVP. Thus, you also may have tests and procedures to diagnose MVP.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Echocardiography
Echocardiography (echo) is the most useful test for diagnosing MVP. This painless test uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart.
Echo shows the size and shape of your heart and how well your heart chambers and valves are working. The test also can show areas of heart muscle that aren’t contracting normally… Read more about Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP): Tests