Mitral valve prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse is a relatively common condition in the general population. The syndrome appears more common in females, and is often associated with a family history. Patients may be asymptomatic or may present with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild chest aches and anxiety to severe angina-like chest pain, palpitations and dizziness. The common auscultatory features include mid-systolic clicks and a late systolic murmur, either alone or in combination. The wide spectrum of symptoms and signs may be explained by ventriculovalvular disproportion, where either the ventricle is too small for the valve, or the valve is too large for the ventricle. The long-term prognosis is very good; severe mitral regurgitation can occasionally develop, but both sudden death and bacterial endocarditis are rare. No treatment is required for asymptomatic patients, beyond antibiotic cover for dental procedures and surgery.