A "flappy valve" is another term for mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a heart condition where one or both flaps (leaflets) of the mitral valve bulge into the left atrium during heart contraction.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
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The Mitral Valve: This valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, two of the heart's four chambers. Its job is to ensure that blood flows forward from the atrium to the ventricle and doesn't flow backward.
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Prolapse: This means that instead of closing tightly, one or both of the mitral valve leaflets bulge or "flop" back into the left atrium during the contraction of the left ventricle.
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Why it's called "Flappy": The prolapsing leaflets can become thickened and redundant, leading to the description "flappy."
Alternative Names for Mitral Valve Prolapse:
- Click-murmur syndrome
- Barlow's syndrome
- Balloon mitral valve
- Floppy valve syndrome
What Happens When the Mitral Valve is "Flappy"?
In some cases, mitral valve prolapse causes no problems at all. In others, it can lead to:
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Mitral Regurgitation: Blood leaks backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium. The severity of regurgitation varies greatly.
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Heart Murmur: The backward flow of blood can create a heart murmur, which a doctor can hear with a stethoscope.
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Symptoms: Some people with MVP experience symptoms such as:
- Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment:
MVP is usually diagnosed with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart). Most people with MVP don't need any treatment. If there is significant mitral regurgitation or troublesome symptoms, treatment options might include medications or, in severe cases, surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve.
