When to Call a Doctor

Callor other emergency services immediately if you have:

• Symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), such as sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in or an inability to move part or all of one side of the body; vision changes that come on suddenly; or sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure, sweating, shortness of breath, or pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.

Call a doctor immediately if you have mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and you have:

• Symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath at rest, with mild exertion, while lying down, or that wakes you from sleep, and leg swelling.
• Symptoms of infection, such as a fever with no other obvious cause. Be alert for signs of infection if you recently had any dental, diagnostic, or surgical procedure.
• Irregular heartbeats and have started having fainting episodes (syncope) or you notice an increase in fainting episodes.

Call your doctor for an appointment if you have noticed new symptoms or an increase in symptoms such as:

• Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
• A decreased ability to exercise at your usual level.
• Excessive fatigue (without another reason).

Watchful waiting

Some people who have mitral valve prolapse have chest pain or palpitations that may come and go and may not be associated with other serious heart disease. But contact your doctor if:

• Symptoms get worse.
• Symptoms persist longer than usual.
• Palpitations occur with fainting, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.

Who to see

The following health professionals can evaluate symptoms that may be related to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and can order the tests you may need:

• Family medicine physician
• Internist
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Cardiologist