Medications

People with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) usually do not need medicines, especially if they do not have mitral valve regurgitation.

Medicines cannot correct bulging (prolapse) of the mitral valve or prevent many of the complications that can develop. But medicine is sometimes used to control symptoms.

Beta-blockers are used to relieve symptoms of palpitations or chest pain that might happen with mitral valve prolapse. Beta-blockers do not improve how the mitral valve works.

Surgery

Most people who have mitral valve prolapse do not need surgery.

Surgery is usually needed only for the small number of people who also have severe mitral valve regurgitation and a badly damaged mitral valve. This may cause the lower left heart chamber (ventricle) to malfunction, and symptoms of heart failure may develop. The main surgery options for people who have MVP and mitral valve regurgitation are mitral valve replacement or repair. These procedures are rarely done on people who only have MVP.

For more information, see the topic Mitral Valve Regurgitation.