Mitral valve prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse is a very common condition. It occurs in 4-5% of the population. It may be idiopathic or associated with a number of other conditions. Myxomatous degeneration is the underlying mechanism of mitral valve prolapse. Most patients with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, palpitations, chest pain and dyspnea are the major complaints. The midsystolic click occasionally followed by the late systolic murmur are the typical physical findings. The echocardiogram plays a big role in the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse. The beta blockers are used in the treatment of the symptomatic patient.