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Mitral Valve Prolapse (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

Call the health care provider if symptoms persist or are recurrent, such as chest pains that come and go, palpitations, or light-headedness.

Once mitral valve prolapse has been diagnosed, call the health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not go away or if symptoms of congestive heart failure such as leg swelling or shortness of breath occur. This means the mitral valve is seriously leaking backward into the left atrium (mitral insufficiency).

People who have heart murmurs should consult a health care provider regarding use of antibiotics to prevent heart valve infection during minor surgical procedures or dental work.

Women who think they are pregnant must call their health care providers.

Go to a hospital emergency department if any of the following occur:

Symptoms of heart failure suddenly worsen.
Symptoms include evidence of a heart rhythm disorder, such as dizziness, blackout, or fainting spell, or a continuing and uncomfortable feeling that the heart is fluttering or racing.
Chest pain does not go away.