What Increases Your Risk

If someone in your family has mitral valve prolapse (MVP), you are more likely to develop it yourself.

Inherited conditions can increase your risk of MVP, but this is rare. These conditions include Marfan's syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Any change in the shape of the valve can increase your risk of MVP. These changes can result from a birth (congenital) defect or a disease that affects the parts of the heart or how the heart works.

Diseases that increase your risk of developing MVP

Diseases that damage the mitral valve or affect the parts of the heart or how the heart works may increase your risk of getting MVP. But this cause is not common. Examples of these diseases include:

• Connective tissue disorders, such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Hyperthyroidism, a disease of the thyroid gland.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta, a problem that causes fragile bones.

Factors that may increase the risk for MVP complications

• Being male. Men with MVP are more likely than women to have complications.
• Age. Older people who have MVP are more likely than younger people to have complications.
• Family history. Those who have a family member with MVP are more likely to have complications.
• Structural abnormalities. Those who have thickened valve flaps (leaflets) are more likely to have complications.